Patient support with deck width monitoring and control

ABSTRACT

A patient support, such as a bed, a cot, a stretcher, or the like, for supporting an occupant includes sensors adapted to detect a status of the patient support, such as the width of the width-adjustable patient support component or the locked or unlocked state of the patient support component. A control system for the patient support is configured to determine if the patient support is in an unacceptable status, such as an unacceptable width configuration or an unlocked state, based on the sensed status. The control system is adapted to issue an alert or take action or prompt a caregiver to take an action if the patient support status is unacceptable.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationsSer. No. 62/887,977, entitled PATIENT SUPPORT WITH DECK WIDTH MONITORINGAND CONTROL (P623), filed on Aug. 16, 2019 and Ser. No. 62/994,540,entitled PATIENT SUPPORT WITH DECK WIDTH MONITORING AND CONTROL (P623A),filed on Mar. 25, 2020, both commonly owned by Stryker Corporation ofKalamazoo, Mich., and which are incorporated herein by reference intheir entireties

The following related applications are also incorporated herein byreference in their entireties and are commonly owned by StrykerCorporation of Kalamazoo, Mich.: U.S. application Ser. No. 14/916,335(P462A), filed Mar. 3, 2016, entitled PATIENT SUPPORT USABLE WITHBARIATRIC PATIENTS, which is a national stage application ofPCT/CA2014/050850, filed on Sep. 8, 2014, by Richard Roussy, entitledPATIENT SUPPORT USABLE WITH BARIATRIC PATIENTS, which claims the benefitof U.S. Provisional Pat. Application Ser. No. 61/874,959, filed Sep. 6,2013, by Richard Roussy, entitled PATIENT SUPPORT USABLE WITH BARIATRICPATIENTS, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entiretiesand are commonly owned by Stryker Corporation of Kalamazoo, Mich.; U.S.application Ser. No. 15/394,111, filed Dec. 29, 2016, entitled PATIENTSUPPORT USABLE WITH BARIATRIC PATIENTS, which is a continuation-in-partapplication of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/916,335 (P462A), filed Mar.3, 2016, entitled PATIENT SUPPORT USABLE WITH BARIATRIC PATIENTS, whichis a national stage application of PCT/CA2014/050850, filed on Sep. 8,2014, by Richard Roussy, entitled PATIENT SUPPORT USABLE WITH BARIATRICPATIENTS, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Pat. ApplicationSer. No. 61/874,959, filed Sep. 6, 2013, by Richard Roussy, entitledPATIENT SUPPORT USABLE WITH BARIATRIC PATIENTS.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates to patient supports, such as hospital beds, andmore specifically, adjustable width patient supports. More particularly,the present disclosure relates to adjustable width patient supports thatinclude sensors for sensing the status of the patient support.

Typical hospital beds are designed with numerous functionalities tofacilitate patient comfort and safety and to facilitate the ability ofcaregivers to provide efficient and effective care. However, mosthospital beds are designed to accommodate patients of average size andweight. For bariatric patients, i.e. morbidly obese patients havingextremely large sizes and whose weights can be as high as 1000 pounds orgreater, normal hospital beds are generally too small and lacksufficient structural strength to withstand the load of a bariatricpatient. Special bariatric beds have been designed to accommodatebariatric patients, but these beds generally lack the functionalities ofregular hospital bed.

SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION

According to various embodiments, a patient support is provided that maybe adjusted in height, width, and/or length.

In one embodiment, a patient support includes a patient support deck, asensor for sensing a status of the patient support deck, and acontroller in communication with the sensor. The controller isconfigured to generate a signal based on the sensor signals, such as thestatus detected by the sensor.

In one embodiment, the status is an acceptable and/or an unacceptableconfiguration. In some embodiments, the status includes an unknownstatus.

In some embodiments, the sensor can detect whether the patient supportdeck is locked or unlocked, and the status of the patient support deckis related to the locked or unlocked condition of the patient supportdeck. For example, the unlocked status may represent an unacceptableconfiguration of the patient support deck.

In other embodiments, the sensor is configured to detect the width, andthe status of the patient support deck is related to the width of thepatient support deck. Depending on the width of the patient supportdeck, the width may represent an unacceptable configuration or anacceptable configuration. For example, where the patient support deckincludes multiple deck sections, when one of the deck sections has adifferent width than the other deck section or deck sections, thedifferent width or widths may represent an unacceptable configuration ofthe patient support deck. In other embodiments, even when all the widthsof the deck section are the same, if any of the deck sections areunlocked, then this may represent an unacceptable configuration. In yetother embodiments, even if all the deck section widths are the same, andthe deck sections are locked, the controller may take action or prompt auser to take action.

In another embodiment, a patient support includes a patient support deckhaving an adjustable width and a control system. The control systemincludes a sensor adapted to sense the width of the patient support deckand a controller in communication with the sensor. Based on the sensorsignals, the controller is configured to determine if the patientsupport deck is in an unacceptable configuration based on the senseddeck support width, and the controller may be configured to generate asignal, such as a signal that generates an alert or a signal thatprevents motion of the patient support or a component of the patientsupport, if the patient support deck is in an unacceptableconfiguration.

In yet another embodiment, a patient support includes a patient supportdeck having an adjustable width and a control system. The patientsupport deck includes a latch to lock the width of the deck. The controlsystem includes a sensor adapted to sense the locked or unlocked statusof the latch, and optionally the width of the deck based on a sensedcharacteristic of the latch mechanism, and a controller in communicationwith the sensor. Based on the sensor signals, the controller isconfigured to determine if the patient support deck is in anunacceptable configuration based on the sensed locked or unlockedstatus, and optionally the width of, the patient support deck, and thecontrol system is configured to generate a signal, such as a signal thatgenerates an alert or a signal that prevents motion of the patientsupport or a component of the patient support, if the patient supportdeck is in an unacceptable configuration.

In one embodiment, where the patient support deck includes multiple decksections, when one of the deck sections has a different width than theother deck section or deck sections, the different width may representan unacceptable configuration of the patient support deck.

In any of the above embodiments, the signal may generate an alert to acaregiver.

In any of the above embodiments, the signal may generate a prompt to acaregiver to take action.

In any of the above embodiments, the signal may be used to preventmotion of the patient support itself or motion of one or more bedcomponents.

In one embodiment, the controller is configured to prevent the motion ofthe patient itself when the patient support deck is sensed to be in anunacceptable configuration.

In another or further embodiment, the controller is configured toprevent motion of one or more bed components of the patient support,such as the side rails and/or the deck, when the patient support deck issensed to be in an unacceptable configuration, or simply when the deckis widened.

In some embodiments, the patient support includes a patient support deckframe having a fixed section and a movable section. Various sensor orswitches and their complementary components can be mounted on oppositesections (i.e., fixed or movable sections) of the patient support deckframe in order to sense and monitor movement of the movable sectionand/or the latch.

In any of the above embodiments, the sensor may comprise a non-contactsensor or a contact sensor and may generate a discrete signal or acontinuous signal.

In one embodiment, the sensor senses a readable tag, which are mountedto, for example, the movable section of the deck.

In another embodiment, the sensor is an optical sensor that senses areflective strip. For example, the strip may have multiple reflectivegradient portions. The amount of light reflected by the reflectivegradient portions, which correlates to the different patient supportdeck widths, is sensed by the optical sensor and communicated to thecontroller. Based on the sensed amount of light, the controllerdetermines at least the approximate corresponding width of the patientsupport deck. In some embodiments, an additional sensor signal, such asthe locked status of the latch mechanism of the patient support deck.

In other embodiments, the sensor is a color sensor that senses the colorof a color strip with different colors that correlate to the differentpatient support deck widths.

In still other embodiments, the sensor is a plurality of magnetic fieldsensors that sense magnets on the patient support deck frame. Forexample, the sensor is a hall effect sensor that senses magnets thathave different magnetic field strengths. The hall effect sensor canoutput a voltage in response to the magnetic field strength of thealigned magnet, which the controller is configured to correlate to thedifferent patient support deck widths.

In some embodiments, the sensor is one or more discrete switches thatare activated by motion.

In another embodiment, the sensor is a multi-axis switch that includes ajoystick that moves in response to contact with a part of the patientsupport deck.

In still another embodiment, the sensor is a potentiometer, such as astring potentiometer or slide potentiometer, configured to measure themovement of a movable portion of the patient support deck.

In other embodiments, the sensor is a piezoelectric sensor thatinteracts with a movable portion of the patient support deck.

In yet another embodiment, the sensor is an air pressure sensor thatsenses an increase or decrease in air pressure in an air chamber. Theincrease or decrease in the air pressure may correlate to the width ofthe patient support component, such as the patient support deck.

In another embodiment, the sensor is a proximity sensor that senses thedistance between a fixed section and the movable section of the patientsupport deck.

In other embodiments, the sensor is an RFID reader that reads an RFIDcode positioned on a moveable section of the patient support. The RFIDtag is coded with data corresponding to the width of the patient supportcomponent.

In yet another embodiment, the sensor is a bar code reader, such as a QRbar code reader, that reads a bar code label positioned on a moveablesection of the patient support deck. The bar code is coded with datacorresponding to the width of the patient support component.

In another embodiment, the sensor includes a depth lock sensor thatsenses a variable profile latch pin, such as a stepped diameter latchpin, that is received at a depth, as allowed by the variable profile(e.g., stepped diameter), in different diameter/size cutouts in theopposite patient support deck frame section. The received depth of thelatch pin is then sensed by the deck lock sensor and communicated to thecontroller, which is used to determine the corresponding width of thepatient support deck. The deck lock sensor may also be configured tosense a locked or unlocked condition of the patient support deck.

In still other embodiments, the sensor senses two latch pins that arereceivable in cutouts arranged in configurations on the movable portionof the patient support deck, which correlate to the widths of thepatient support deck. The position of the latch pins in the cutouts isthen communicate to the controller via the sensors, and the controlleris then configured to determine the corresponding width of the patientsupport deck.

In any of the embodiments, the sensor may comprise or additionallyinclude a deck lock sensor configured to detect a state of a lockinglatch pin that locks the patient support deck. If the locking latch pinis detected to be unlocked, movement of the patient support may then berestricted.

In some embodiments, if the patient support deck is determined to be inan unacceptable width configuration and/or unlocked state, movement ofthe patient support may then be restricted.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to restrict a heightof the patient support based on the width configuration of the patientsupport deck.

In some embodiments, each patient support deck section includes a sensoradapted to sense the width of the corresponding patient support decksection. An unacceptable width configuration is determined when thewidth configuration of each of the patient support deck sections is notthe same.

In one embodiment, the patient support deck has a rack and pinionmechanism configured to permit manually adjusting the width of thepatient support deck. The patient support deck may include at least twodeck extension pans, and the rack and pinion mechanism may connect thedeck extension pans. Further, the rack and pinion mechanism may includea latch releasable from either side of the patient support. Releasingthe latch may permit manually adjusting the width of the patient supportdeck. Manually adjusting the width of the patient support deck cantherefore be accomplished by simultaneously sliding the deck extensionpans by pulling or pushing one of the deck extension pans.

Further features and embodiments will be described or will becomeapparent in the course of the following detailed description. It shouldbe understood that each feature described herein may be utilized in anycombination with any one or more of the other described features, andthat each feature does not necessarily rely on the presence of anotherfeature except where evident to one of skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a patient support;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the patient support of FIG. 1A withside rails on one side of the patient support tucked under the patientsupport deck;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of one embodiment of a lift mechanism ofan adjustable patient support in an ultralow position shown in contextwith an upper frame, lower frame and caster frame of the patientsupport;

FIG. 2B the adjustable patient support of FIG. 2A in a low positionincluding upper leg lift actuators;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an adjustable patient support deck ofthe patient support of FIG. 1A shown in a horizontal prone position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an adjustable patient support deck ofthe patient support of FIG. 1A shown in an articulating position with ahead deck section tilted up to form a backrest;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an adjustable patient support deck ofthe patient support of FIG. 1A shown in a position with a head decksection tilted up to form a backrest and a knee deck section raised toform a knee support;

FIG. 6 is a view of the adjustable patient support deck of FIG. 5without deck panels;

FIG. 7 is a side view of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an adjustable patient support deck ofthe patient support of FIG. 1A shown in a horizontal prone positionwithout deck panels at a standard first width;

FIG. 10 shows the patient support deck of FIG. 9 expanded to a secondintermediate width;

FIG. 11 shows the patient support deck of FIG. 9 expanded to a moreexpanded third width;

FIG. 12 shows a bottom view of the expanded patient support deck of FIG.11;

FIG. 13 is a plan perspective view of a head deck section of the patientsupport deck of FIG. 9 showing elements for expanding and latching thehead deck section of the adjustable deck;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 shows the head deck section of FIG. 13 expanded to a moreexpanded third width;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a rack and pinion mechanism and latchingmechanism for expanding the head deck section shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the latching mechanism shown in FIG. 16illustrating a latch mount for the latching mechanism;

FIG. 18 is perspective view of a deck extension handle for releasing thelatching mechanism shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of a caster frame in a fully retractedposition for a standard first width deck;

FIG. 19B is a perspective view of the caster frame of FIG. 17A in anexpanded position;

FIG. 20 is a foot end perspective view of an extendible headboard at astandard first width supported on a headboard mounting bracket;

FIG. 21A is perspective views showing an extendible headboard separatefrom a headboard mounting bracket at a standard first width;

FIG. 21B is perspective views showing an extendible headboard separatefrom a headboard mounting bracket at an intermediate second width;

FIG. 21C is perspective views showing an extendible headboard separatefrom a headboard mounting bracket at a third more expanded width;

FIG. 22A is an end view of an alternate embodiment of an extendibleheadboard in which headboard extension is driven by an actuator, withthe headboard at a standard first width;

FIG. 22B is an end view of an alternate embodiment of an extendibleheadboard in which headboard extension is driven by an actuator, withthe headboard at a more expanded width;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a patient support deck having guardstructures mounted on deck extension pans thereof;

FIG. 24 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of a control system fora patient support whereby data communication occurs through a portinterconnected with a controller via an I/O interface of the controller;

FIG. 24A is a block diagram of an embodiment of a control system for apatient support whereby communication may occur via wireless devicemounted to the control board or mounted locally on the patient support,such as at the attendants control panel or in a separate panel or otherinput device;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a seat deck section of the patientsupport deck of including an optical sensor for sensing the width of theseat deck section of the adjustable patient support deck;

FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of the patient support deck of FIG. 25 at astandard first width;

FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of the patient support deck of FIG. 25 at anintermediate second width;

FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of the patient support deck of FIG. 25 at anexpanded third width;

FIG. 28A is a perspective view of a seat deck section of the patientsupport deck of including an RFID tag and RFID reader for sensing thewidth of the seat deck section of the adjustable patient support deck;

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a seat deck section of the patientsupport deck including a hall effect sensor for sensing the width of theseat deck section of the adjustable patient support deck;

FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of the patient support deck of FIG. 29 at astandard first width;

FIG. 31 is an enlarged view of the patient support deck of FIG. 29 at anintermediate second width;

FIG. 32 is an enlarged view of the patient support deck of FIG. 29 at anexpanded third width;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a seat deck section of the patientsupport deck including discrete switches for sensing the width of theseat deck section of the adjustable patient support deck;

FIG. 34 is an enlarged view of the patient support deck of FIG. 33 at astandard first width;

FIG. 35 is an enlarged view of the patient support deck of FIG. 33 at anintermediate second width;

FIG. 36 is an enlarged view of the patient support deck of FIG. 33 at anexpanded third width;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a multi-axis switch;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a seat deck section of the patientsupport deck including the multi-axis switch of FIG. 37 for sensing thewidth of the seat deck section of the adjustable patient support deck;

FIG. 38A is a similar view to FIG. 38 with the outer fixed tube removedto show the movable portion of the deck section;

FIG. 38B is a similar view to FIG. 38 with a portion of the outer fixedtube removed to show the movable portion of the deck section;

FIG. 39 is an enlarged view of the patient support deck of FIG. 38A at astandard first width;

FIG. 40 is an enlarged view of the patient support deck of FIG. 38A atan intermediate second width;

FIG. 41 is an enlarged view of the patient support deck of FIG. 38 at anexpanded third width;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a seat deck section of the patientsupport deck including a potentiometer for sensing the width of the seatdeck section of the adjustable patient support deck;

FIG. 42A is perspective view of the seat deck section illustrating therotary potentiometer using a gear to sense the width of the seat decksection;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a seat deck section of the patientsupport deck including a slide potentiometer for sensing the width ofthe seat deck section of the adjustable patient support deck;

FIG. 43A is a perspective transparent view of the seat deck section ofFIG. 43 illustrating the slide potentiometer sensing the width of theseat deck section;

FIG. 43B is a perspective transparent view of the seat deck section ofFIG. 43 illustrating the slide potentiometer sensing the width of theseat deck section;

FIG. 43C is a perspective transparent view of the seat deck section ofFIG. 43 illustrating the slide potentiometer sensing the width of theseat deck section;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the seat deck section of FIG. 43 with afixed rack and pinion mechanism housing tube removed;

FIG. 44A is an enlarged view of the patient support deck of FIG. 44 at astandard first width;

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a linear potentiometer sensor forsensing the width of the seat deck section;

FIG. 45A is a perspective view of a piezoelectric sensor for sensing thewidth of the seat deck section;

FIG. 45B is a perspective view of another embodiment of a piezoelectricsensor for sensing the width of the seat deck section;

FIG. 45C is a similar view to FIG. 45B;

FIG. 45D is a similar view to FIG. 45B;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a seat deck section of the patientsupport deck including a proximity sensor for sensing the width of theseat deck section of the adjustable patient support deck;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a seat deck section of the patientsupport deck including two latch pins used for sensing the width of theseat deck section of the adjustable patient support deck;

FIG. 48 is an enlarged view of the patient support deck of FIG. 47 at astandard first width and with the fixed rack and pinion mechanismhousing tube removed;

FIG. 49 is an enlarged view of the patient support deck of FIG. 47 at anintermediate second width and with the fixed rack and pinion mechanismhousing tube removed;

FIG. 50 is an enlarged view of the patient support deck of FIG. 47 at anexpanded third width and with the fixed rack and pinion mechanismhousing tube removed;

FIG. 50A is a perspective view of a sensor employing a stepped pin forsensing the width of the seat deck section;

FIG. 50B is similar view to FIG. 50A;

FIG. 50C is similar view to FIG. 50A;

FIG. 50D is an enlarged perspective view of the stepped pin of FIGS.50A-50C;

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a pneumatic sensor for sensing thewidth of the seat deck section;

FIG. 52 is another perspective view of a pneumatic sensor for sensingthe width of the seat deck section;

FIG. 53 is another perspective view of a pneumatic sensor for sensingthe width of the seat deck section;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a pneumaticsensor for sensing the width of the seat deck section;

FIG. 55 is similar view to FIG. 54;

FIG. 56 is similar view to FIG. 54;

FIG. 57 depicts a block diagram of the a control system for controllingthe patient support;

FIG. 58 is a chart illustrating allowed and restricted conditions forthe patient support relative to the patient support deck width;

FIG. 59 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a patient supportwith three or more deck sections coupled together;

FIG. 60 is a perspective view of the patient support of FIG. 59;

FIG. 61 is a plan view of the patient support of FIG. 59;

FIG. 62 is an enlarged perspective view of the coupler coupling therespective coupled deck sections drive shafts;

FIG. 63 is an enlarged perspective view of the coupler of FIG. 62;

FIG. 64 is an enlarged perspective view of a second embodiment of asuitable coupler for coupling the respective coupled deck sections;

FIG. 65 is an enlarged perspective view of a third embodiment of asuitable coupler for coupling the respective coupled deck sections;

FIG. 66 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a patient supportwith three or more deck sections coupled together with anotherembodiment of the width adjustment assembly; and

FIG. 67 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the width adjustment assemblyof FIG. 66.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the numeral 100 generally designates anexemplary patient support that may incorporate one or more aspects ofthe present disclosure. Although the particular form of patient support100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B is a bed adapted for use in ahospital or other medical setting, it will be understood that patientsupport 100 could, in different embodiments, be a cot, a stretcher, agurney, a recliner, an operating table, a residential bed, or any otherstructure capable of supporting a person, whether stationary or mobileand/or whether medical or residential. Further, while the term “patient”is used, the term “patient” is used broadly and intended to refer to anyperson, such as a hospital patient, long- term care facility resident,or any other occupant of the patient support 100 that may needassistance, including medical treatment or medical attention.

In general, patient support 100 includes an upper frame 102, a lowerframe 132, and an adjustable patient support deck 104 (or simply“deck”). The patient support 100 may include a lift mechanism (describedbelow) to raise and lower the upper frame 102 to move patient supportdeck 104 relative to the lower frame 132 and the ground. The patientsupport 100 may be width and/or length adjustable to accommodatepatients of various sizes and may include a manual user adjustable andselectable width adjustment mechanism, described below, or one or moreactuators, such as mechanical or powered actuators, also describedbelow.

The patient support deck 104 may include multiple deck sections, each ofwhich may be independently and separately adjusted and locked in theiradjusted or unadjusted configuration. Alternately two or more decksections may be coupled together so that the two decks sections can beadjusted together and locked optionally using a single latch butindependently from the other deck sections. Although in the belowembodiment the deck is described in the context of the seat and kneesections of the deck being coupled together, as described in the otherembodiments (illustrated in FIGS. 59-67) three or more deck sections ordifferent decks sections may be couple together and adjusted and lockedusing a single latch mechanism for the coupled deck sections. Similarlyalthough illustrated with release handles provided in pairs (one foreach side of the deck section), a single handle may be used for eachdeck section. And in the case where all the deck sections are coupledtogether, a single handle or a single pair of handles may be used torelease the one or more latch mechanisms. It should be understood thatvarious combinations and variations may be made—the number and type ofdeck sections, the number and location of handles, and the number andlocation of latch mechanisms.

It should be understood that a combination of any two or more decks canbe coupled together as described below. Further, as will be more fullydescribed below, the width of the deck sections may be adjusted, forexample, between a nominal 36″ width, an intermediate 42″ width, and anexpanded 48″ width. However, it should be understood, that the width ofthe deck sections may be adjusted to other widths, includingintermediate values or larger values, such as a 54″ width.

In the illustrated embodiment, the deck sections are manually adjustedand may be adjusted with rack and pinion mechanisms, as described below,that allow for bi-directional adjustment of the width of the patientsupport deck. In other words, when one side of the deck is manuallypulled, the other side will be widened at the same time. However, itshould be understood that other types of width adjustment mechanisms maybe used, as noted below, including mechanical or powered actuators.

In addition, referring to FIG. 24, patient support 100 includes acontrol system 3300 for controlling the various actuators at the patientsupport 100 and, further, for monitoring the status of the patientsupport 100. For example, control system 3300 may monitor the status ofone or more adjustable patient support components, such as the patientsupport deck 104, the wheeled base (formed by caster frame 142), and/orheadboard 106. The status may be the width or length of the deck or thewheeled base or the width of the headboard, and/or the locked status ofany of these components. Further, the control system 3300 may monitorthe status of other components, such as the deck actuators thatarticulate the deck sections, the side rails, the lift mechanism, thecasters, and/or the drive system (noted below).

In order to reduce the occurrence of pinch points, interference betweentwo or more components of the patient support, interference between thepatient support and other structures, such as doorways, and/or possibleinstability when the patient support configuration, such as width and/orlength, is adjusted, control system 3300 detects the status of thepatient support and may take one more affirmative actions to avoid pinchpoints, interference, and/or stability. As described more fully below,these actions may simply include generating a signal to issue an alert,a prompt to a caregiver to take action, and/or to restrict motion of thepatient support itself or one or more of its components, such as thelift mechanism and/or deck actuators.

In one embodiment, when the patient support deck is adjusted, and thedeck sections are adjusted to and locked at the same width relative toone another, they may be considered by the control system to be in anacceptable or approved deck width configuration. In contrast, when thedeck is adjusted, with the deck section moved to different widthsrelative to one another, they may be considered to be in an unacceptabledeck width configuration. Similarly, when the deck sections areunlocked, regardless of their position, they may be considered to be inan unacceptable deck configuration. As more fully described below,therefore, patient support 100 may be configured to detect and monitorthe width and/or locked status of each deck section. Further, in somecases, the width may be unknown, which the control system 3300 may treatit as an unacceptable configuration.

When the width of the headboard is increased, the increased width alonemay be acceptable but if it is widened and not locked, control system3300 may be configured to consider it to be in an unacceptableconfiguration, or in an acceptable configuration when locked. On theother hand, regardless of the width of the headboard, when the headboardis unlocked, control system 3300 may be configured to consider it to bein an unacceptable configuration. Similarly, even when locked in itsunexpanded configuration but where the patient support deck 104 iswidened, the control system 3300 may be configured to consider theheadboard to be in an unacceptable configuration. Likewise, when theheadboard 106 is locked and in its expanded configuration, but thepatient support deck 104 is no longer widened, the control system 3300may be configured to consider the headboard to be in an unacceptableconfiguration.

With regard to the wheeled base, when the base width (or length) isincreased, the increased dimension alone may be acceptable, but if it iswidened and/or lengthened and not locked, control system 3300 may beconfigured to consider the base to be in an unacceptable configuration(or in an acceptable configuration when locked). On the other hand,regardless of the width/length of the wheeled base, when the wheeledbase is unlocked, control system 3300 may be configured to consider itto be in an unacceptable configuration. Similarly, even when locked inits unexpanded configuration, but where the patient support deck 104 iswidened, the control system 3300 may be configured to consider thewheeled base to be in an unacceptable configuration. Likewise, when thebase is locked and its expanded configuration, but the patient supportdeck 104 is no longer widened, the control system 3300 may be configuredto consider the wheeled base to be in an unacceptable configuration.

It should be understood that other inputs to the control system may beused to determine when the patient support deck, the headboard, and/orthe wheeled base is in an unacceptable configuration. For example,control system 3300 may use inputs, such as the status of the casters(e.g. unlocked or locked), the status of the deck section latchmechanisms (e.g. locked or unlocked) and/or the status of the drivesystem described below. For example, if a user tries to operate thedrive system, control system 3300 may check the status of any of theadjustable width or length components (or locked or unlocked status ofthe deck section latch mechanisms) prior to allowing the user to operatethe drive system, for example, when any of the adjustable components isin a widened and/or lengthened configuration (or the deck section latchmechanisms are unlocked). Or control system 3300 may simply alert theuser that the adjustable component(s) is in an unacceptableconfiguration and/or prompt the user (e.g. with instructions) to takeaction, for example, to return the adjustable component(s) to isunexpanded and locked configuration.

As noted above, patient support 100 includes upper frame 102 thatsupports adjustable patient support deck 104, which is positionedthereon to receive a patient support surface (or “mattress”) forsupporting a patient thereon. For clarity, the mattress is notillustrated. The patient support deck 104 may be an articulatable deck.For example, in the illustrated embodiment, patient support deck 104includes a head deck section 105 (referred to as the “Fowler” section)capable of tilting up to form a backrest and tilting down to a proneposition (prone position shown). At a head end of the patient support100 may be a headboard 106, while a footboard 108 may be attached to theupper frame 102 at a foot end of the patient support 100. The headboard106 and footboard 108 may be collectively known as end boards.

Patient support 100 may also include one or more guard structures, suchas side rails, including head end side rails 110 and foot end side rails113, which may be positioned on each side of the patient support 100.Such side rails 110, 113 may be moveable so as to facilitate entry andexit of a patient. In addition, on a width adjustable patient support itmay be desirable for the guard structures to be adjustable laterallyalong with the patient support deck. While guard structures at the headend of the patient support have been mounted on the patient support deckin order to be raised together with the deck when the deck isarticulated, guard structures nearer the head end or foot end of thepatient support may be mounted on the frame supporting the deck, such asthe headboards and footboards.

In FIG. 1A, the side rails 110, 113 are all shown in the raised or guardposition, while in FIG. 1B, the side rails 110, 113 on the patient rightside of the patient support are shown in the tucked position whereby therails 110, 113 are shown in ultra-low positions and tucked under thepatient support deck 104. Suitable guard structures that may be used inpatient support 100 are described in more detail in U.S. applicationSer. No. 15/394,111, filed Dec. 29, 2016, entitled “PATIENT SUPPORTUSABLE WITH BARIATRIC PATIENTS,” the entire content of which is hereinincorporated by reference.

The patient support 100 may include a lift mechanism for raising orlowering upper frame 102 and deck 104. In the illustrated embodiment,and referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the lift mechanism includes two legassemblies 112, 114. The head end leg assembly 112 may be connected atthe head end of the patient support 100 and the foot end leg assembly114 may be connected at the foot end of the patient support 100. The legassemblies 112, 114 may be connected to one or more actuators in amanner whereby the actuators may raise and lower the upper frame 102.Articulation of the patient support deck 104 relative to support upperframe 102 may be controlled by actuators 201, 202 (e.g. FIG. 7) thatadjust the tilt of the head deck 105 of the patient support deck 104 aswell as the height of a knee deck section 107 of the patient supportdeck 104. Optionally, the deck may also include a CPR release, forexample, which may be released by handle 124 (FIGS. 13 and 14), such asdescribed in the above referenced application.

The lower ends of the leg assemblies 112, 114 may be connected to thelower frame 132. The lower frame 132 may be large enough so that whenthe upper frame 102 is at its lowest position, the upper frame 102 maybe nested within the lower frame 132. The lower frame 132 may be nestedwithin and suspended by a caster frame 142, with the lower framecomprising four load cells (not shown) resting on the caster frame 142.

Connected to the caster frame 142 at each of the foot end and head endmay be two caster assemblies 118, each assembly comprising two casters119 that allow the patient support 100 to be moved to differentlocations. Brake pedals 117 may be provided at the head end and foot end(the head end one not shown), which permit locking the foot end, headend or both the foot end and head end casters in full stop or trackingstraight positions, in addition to permitting the casters to rotate andtravel freely when needed.

Optionally, control system 3300 may be configured to provide electriccontrol over the braking or unbraking of the casters and, further, sothat the caster brake status may be detected (and optionally used asinput to control system 3300) and/or changed in response to detecting achange in status of one of the monitored adjustable patient supportcomponents, more fully described below. For an example of anelectrically controlled brake caster system, reference is made to U.S.Pat. No. 8,701,229, owned by Stryker Corporation of Kalamazoo, Michigan,which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

In one embodiment, the patient support 100 may also incorporate a drivemechanism to power the bed movement. For example, patient support 100may incorporate a ZOOM® drive system, available from Stryker Corporationof Kalamazoo, Michigan, which is controlled by control system 3300.Optionally, control system 3300 may prohibit the use of the drive systemwhen any one of the adjustable components, such as the patient supportdeck, the headboard 106, or the base, are widened and/or in anunacceptable configuration.

In one embodiment, when the deck width expansion is motorized, theadjustment of the deck width may be prohibited by the control system3300 based on specific conditions, such as the side rails not beingraised, the deck not being flat, the casters not being locked, or apatient is detected on the bed, for example, via load cells on the bed,or other weight sensors.

The patient support 100 may further include control circuitry and ancaregiver's control panel 120 located, for example, at the footboard108, which is in communication with control system 3300. The caregiver'scontrol panel 120 may, among other things, control the width and heightof the upper frame 102, the width and/or length of the base, the widthof the headboard, and width and/or length of the patient support deck104, as well as the articulation of the patient support deck 104. Toallow for similar adjustment, an occupant's control panel may beprovided, for example, on a side rail.

Control panels may include user interfaces, for example, buttons and/ora display. The buttons may be keypad style buttons that operate asmomentary contact switches (also known as “hold-to-run” switches).Buttons may be provided to raise and lower the upper frame 102,articulate the patient support deck 104, set/pause/reset an exit alarm,zero an occupant weight reading, lockout controls, and to enable otherfunctions. The control panels may have different sets of buttons fordifferent sets of functions, with the caregiver's control panel 120typically having a wider array of functions available than anyoccupant's control panel that may be provided on the patient support.For example, the caregiver's control panel may include a display,including a touchscreen display, which can display the alerts andprompts described below, and also provide a user interface and havetouch screen areas that that form buttons. Other styles of userinterface and buttons are also suitable. The user interface of thecontrol panels may include indicators, such as printed graphics orgraphics on the display, for describing the functions of the buttons orother interface and as well as indicating data related to the patientsupport 100, including the alerts and prompts noted below.

To provide flexibility in patient care and comfort, patient supportsshould be able to support patients in a number of different positions.The patient support described herein has such capability and may includemultiple deck sections, namely the head deck section 105, the knee decksection 107, a seat deck section 2001, and a foot deck section 2002.Referring to FIG. 3, the patient support deck 104 may be in a horizontalprone position. Referring to FIG. 4, the patient support deck 104 may bein an articulating position, with the head deck section 105 tilted uprelative to the upper frame 102 to form a backrest while the otherportions remain horizontal. Referring to FIG. 5, the patient supportdeck 104 may be in a head-up, knees-up position with the head decksection 105 tilted up relative to the upper frame 102 to form a backrestand the knee deck section 107 and foot deck section 2002 tilted uprelative to the upper frame 102 to form an inverted “V”. The patientsupport deck 104 may also be in a vascular configuration with the headdeck section 105 tilted up relative to the upper frame 102 to form abackrest, the knee deck section 107 tilted up relative to the upperframe 102 at the foot end to raise the knees, and the foot deck section2002 raised, but horizontal. In all of the aforementioned positions, theseat deck section 2001 remains horizontal. The deck 104 may also bemoved to the Trendelenburg position (head lower than foot) or thereverse Trendelenburg position (head higher than foot).

Most patient supports are designed to accommodate patients of averagesize and weight. For bariatric patients, normal patient supports aregenerally too small and lack sufficient structural strength to withstandthe load of the patient. The patient support disclosed herein isstructurally strong enough to accommodate greatly overweight patientsand comprises features for extending the width and/or length of thecaster frame, deck, headboard, and footboard to suitably accommodateboth average-sized patients and bariatric patients. The width may beadjusted sideways in any increments, for example, between a first widthsuch as for a standard patient support, a second intermediate width, anda third more expanded width for large bariatric patients. Commonly, astandard width is a 36″ width, with an intermediate width correspondingto a 42″ width, and a third more expanded width corresponding to a 48″width, for example. As noted above other widths may be used.

Referring to FIGS. 9-11, the patient support deck 104 is shown in ahorizontal prone position with the deck sections adjusted to a standardfirst width, an intermediate second width, and a more expanded thirdwidth. To adjust the width of each deck section, each deck sectionincludes left and right extendible sections. In the illustratedembodiment, the extendible sections are formed from deck extension pans2031, 2032, 2033, and 2034.

For example, the head deck section 105 includes a central head deckpanel 2005 and two head deck section extension pans 2031 on either sideof the deck 104, which are normally under the central head deck sectionpanel when the deck 104 is at standard width. Similarly, the seat decksection 2001 includes a central seat deck panel 2011 and two seat decksection extension pans 2032 on either side of the deck 104, which arenormally under the central seat deck section panel when the deck 104 isat standard width. And, the knee deck section 107 includes a centralknee deck panel 2007 and two knee deck section extension pans 2033 oneither side of the deck 104, which are normally under the central kneedeck section panel 2007 when the deck 104 is at standard width. The footdeck section 2002 also includes a central foot deck panel 2012 and twofoot deck section extension pans 2034 on either side of the deck 104,which are normally under the central foot deck section panel when thedeck 104 is at standard width. The deck extension pans may be made asthin as possible to provide more space under the deck extension pans totuck the guard structures.

As seen in FIGS. 10-11, when the deck 104 is expanded, the deckextension pans 2031, 2032, 2033, and 2034, which are supported on deckextension pan cross-members, may be manually pulled laterally away toprovide a wider surface. The deck extension pans that are normally underthe deck panels may now be exposed to provide an extended surface onwhich a larger mattress may rest. The upper frame 102, which supportsthe deck 104, may or may not be configured to expand with the deck. Inthe illustrated embodiment, upper frame 102 has a fixed width andlength.

As noted above, the width of head deck section 105 and foot deck section2002 may be adjusted (expanded or contracted) independently. The seatdeck section 2001 and knee deck section 107 may be adjusted together (orindependently), but independently from the head and foot deck sections105 and 2002. As noted, the deck extension pans may be moved manually ormay be powered.

In a manual embodiment, handles may be provided on each side of the deck104. For example, the deck 104 may include head deck section extensionhandles 2041, seat/knee deck section extension handles 2042, and/or footdeck section extension handles 2044. As described more fully below inreference to FIGS. 18 and 18A-18C, using these handles, the deckextension pans may be unlatched and then moved laterally by pulling orpushing. For example, the head deck section extension handles, seat/kneedeck section extension handles, and foot deck section extension handlesmay be operationally connected to head deck section extension latchmechanism 2051, seat/knee deck section extension latch mechanism 2052and 2053, and foot deck section extension latch mechanism 2054,respectively, via cables, such as push pull cables, which are coupled onone end to the handles and on their other end to the latch mechanisms.Each handle may be configured as a lever for pulling on the cable tothereby release the latch mechanisms. The latch mechanisms, alsoreferred to as a deck lock, may immobilize the deck extension pans witha pin-in-hole structure where the latch pin extends into one of severalholes provided on the movable section of the deck section to therebylock the position of the movable portion of the deck section. When thecable is pulled by the handle, the cable pulls the latch pin out of thehole, but which then returns to its locked position when the handle isreleased by a spring which biases the latch pin in its locking position.Alternately, a push-pull cable configuration may be used, which caneliminate the need for the biasing spring and instead return the pin toits locked position under the force of the cable. In yet anotherembodiment, as noted below, the latch pin may be controlled by anactuator, such as solenoid (or a combination of a biasing spring and asolenoid) so that the latch mechanism may be controlled electricallyand, further, wirelessly.

In the illustrated embodiment, the deck sections are manually adjustedand may be adjusted with a rack and pinion mechanism, as describedbelow, that allows for bi-directional adjustment of the width of thepatient support deck.

To expand the respective deck sections, one or more rack and pinionmechanisms in each deck section may be employed. The head deck section105 may have two head rack and pinion mechanisms housed in head decksection rack and pinion mechanism housing tubes 2061. The two head rackand pinion mechanisms may be linked by a pinion gear shaft 2072 so thatthe two head rack and pinion mechanisms operate in unison to expand thehead deck section 105 when a pulling force is applied to one of the decksection pans. The seat deck section 2001 and knee deck section 107 mayhave two rack and pinion mechanisms, each housed in seat and knee decksection rack and pinion mechanism housing tubes 2062, 2063,respectively. The seat and knee deck section rack and pinion mechanismsmay be linked by pinion gear shafts 2072, 2073, respectively. The rackand pinion mechanisms of seat deck section 2001 may be linked by piniongear shaft 2075 to the rack and pinion mechanisms of the knee decksection 107 so that the four rack and pinion mechanisms operate inunison to expand the seat-supporting and knee deck sections togetherwhen a manual force is applied to one of the deck section pans. In thisbecause they are coupled together and they may, therefore, share acommon latch and sensor.

In an alternative embodiment, one of the rack and pinion mechanisms ofthe deck section, such as in the knee deck section 107, may be replacedby a simple slide mechanism, for example a tube-in-tube arrangement. Inthis manner, the deck section may have a single rack and pinionmechanism.

The foot deck section 2002 may have two foot deck section rack andpinion mechanisms housed in foot deck section rack and pinion mechanismhousing tubes 2064. The two foot deck section rack and pinion mechanismsmay be linked by pinion gear shaft 2074 so that the two foot decksection rack and pinion mechanisms operate in unison to expand the footdeck section 2002.

To illustrate more clearly the operation of the rack and pinionmechanisms and the deck extension latch mechanisms, reference is made toFIGS. 13-17, which illustrate a rack and pinion mechanism 2065 and thedeck extension latch mechanism 2051 of the head deck section 105. Therack and pinion mechanisms and the deck extension latch mechanisms ofthe other deck portions may be similar

As discussed above, the head deck section 105 may comprise two head decksection extension pans 2031, one on each side of the head deck section,on which may be mounted mattress keepers 2003. The head deck sectionextension handles 2041 may be cabled or electronically connected to thehead deck section extension latch mechanism 2051 so that pulling on thehandle disengages the head deck section extension latch mechanism 2051so that the head deck section 105 may be expanded.

Each rack and pinion mechanism 2065 may engage two extensioncross-members for a total of four extension cross-members 2081, 2082,2083, and 2084. Extension cross-members 2081 and 2083 may be fixed toand support the head deck section extension pan on one side of the headdeck section, and extension cross-members 2082 and 2084 may be fixed toand support the head deck section extension pan on the other side of thehead deck section. The extension cross-members may be configured so thatthe extension cross-members supporting one deck extension pan may bedirectly adjacent corresponding extension cross-members supporting theother deck extension pan. Thus, extension cross-member 2083 may beadjacent to and located to the inside of extension cross-member 2084,while extension cross-member 2081, which supports the same deckextension pan as extension cross-member 2083, may be beside and locatedto the outside of extension cross-member 2082. The extensioncross-members may be slidably supported in head deck section rack andpinion mechanism housing tube 2061 attached to the head deck section105, the head deck section rack and pinion mechanism housing tube 2061comprising tube cap 2070.

The extension cross-members 2081, 2082, 2083, and 2084 may includetoothed racks 2076, 2077, 2080, and 2089, respectively. The extensioncross-members 2081, 2082, 2083, and 2084 may instead have a toothedprofile as shown, which serves as the toothed racks, or toothed racksmay be machined and attached to the extension cross-members 2081, 2082,2083, and 2084. The elongated through-apertures and toothed racks onneighboring extension cross-members may be aligned in the samehorizontal plane so that pinion gear 2068 can mesh with and rest ontoothed tracks 2076 and 2077, simultaneously, and pinion gear 2069 canmesh with and rest on toothed tracks 2080 and 2089, simultaneously. Eachof the pinion gears 2068 and 2069 may alternatively be two separategears for a total of four pinion gears, each associated with one of thefour toothed tracks. The pinion gears 2068, 2069 may be mounted on andfixedly connected to pinion gear shaft 2071, with the pinion gear shaft2071 capable of rotating with the pinion gears. The pinion gears 2068,2069 and pinion gear shaft 2071 may be secured by pinion retainers 2078,2079. The pinion retainers 2078 and 2079 may be fixedly mounted on thedeck (mount not shown) to prevent longitudinal and lateral motion of thepinion gear shaft 2071, thereby keeping the pinion gears 2068, 2069captured in their respective toothed tracks and on the same longitudinalaxis while the gears and pinion gear shaft rotate.

In operation, activating the latch release structure of one of the headdeck section extension handles 2041 may disengage the head deck sectionextension latch mechanism 2051, which permits lateral movement of theextension cross-members 2081, 2082, 2083, and 2084 and hence the headdeck section extension pans 2031. If the head deck section extensionhandle 2041 on the head deck section extension pan 2031 supported onextension cross-members 2082 and 2084 is pulled, the extensioncross-members 2082 and 2084 will be pulled laterally.

The lateral motion of the extension cross-members 2082 and 2084 maycause the pinion gears 2068, 2069 to rotate due to the action of theteeth in toothed tracks 2077, 2089 with which the pinion gears 2068,2069 are meshed. Because the pinion gears 2068, 2069 are restricted frommoving laterally, rotation of the pinion gears 2068, 2069 also may causethe extension cross-members 2081, 2083 to begin lateral movement sincethe two pinion gears 2068, 2069 may also be meshed with the toothedtracks 2076, 2080 in extension cross-members 2083, 2081, respectively.The extension cross-members 2081 and 2083 will move in the oppositedirection than the extension cross-members 2082 and 2084 because theyare on opposite sides of the head deck section 105.

Because the two pinion gears 2068, 2069 may be fixedly connected to thepinion gear shaft 2071, the rotational speeds of both gears may be thesame, which prevents the extension cross-members at one end of the headdeck section 105 from getting ahead of or behind the extensioncross-members at the other end of the head deck section. In this way,the head deck section 105 may expand bi-directionally and uniformlywithout jamming of the extension cross-members. Further, because theextension cross-members supporting the head deck section extension panon one side may be linked through the pinion gears 2068, 2069 to theextension cross-members supporting the head deck section extension panon the other side, it is only necessary for one operator to operate theexpanding feature from one side of the patient support.

Once the head deck section extension pans 2031 and the extensioncross-members 2081, 2082, 2083, 2084 have moved laterally to the desiredposition (e.g., second width or third width), the head deck sectionextension latch mechanism 2051 re-engages. To return the head decksection 105 to a narrower width, the latch release structure of one ofthe head deck section extension handles 2041 may be activated again andthe extension cross-members, together with the head deck sectionextension pan 2031 on one side, pushed laterally back toward the middle.

Alternatively or additionally, rotation of the pinion gears 2068, 2069may be motorized by connecting the pinion gear shaft 2071 to anactuator. For example, a suitable actuator may be bi-directional,including a multi-speed actuator.

Wheels 2085, 2086, 2087, 2088 protruding from upper surfaces of theextension cross-members 2081, 2082, 2083, 2084, respectively, may beprovided to reduce friction between the extension cross-members and thetubes 2061 housing the extension cross-members. Corresponding wheels2085′, 2086′, 2087′, 2088′ protruding from the bottom surfaces of theextension cross-members may provide the same function below theextension cross-members.

Comparison of FIG. 13 to FIG. 15 illustrates the difference inconfiguration of the extension cross-members 2081, 2082, 2083, 2084between the standard first width and the expanded third width of thehead deck section 105. At the standard first width (FIG. 13), thethrough-apertures of adjacent extension cross-members may be nearlyaligned laterally, whereas at the expanded third width (FIG. 15) thethrough-apertures may be substantially less aligned than at the standardfirst width.

FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 provide more detail of the head deck sectionextension latch mechanism 2051. The head deck section extension latchmechanism 2051 may comprise a spring-loaded pin 2090 loaded in a wrapspring 2091 housed in extension latch housing 2035, the pin 2090 biasedby the spring 2091 toward the extension cross-member 2083 through anaperture (not shown) in the latch housing 2035. When the spring-loadedpin 2090 is aligned with an aperture 2092 in the extension cross-member2083, the pin 2090 is forced into the aperture 2092 by the spring 2091.Because the latch housing 2035 may be fixedly mounted to housing tube2061 as well as lateral support member 2061 a (shown in FIG. 17), whichdo not move with the extension cross-member 2083, the extensioncross-member 2083 may be prevented from moving when the pin 2090 isengaged in the aperture 2092.

The head deck section extension latch mechanism 2051 may furthercomprise a lever 2093 connected to the pin 2090 by a linking pin 2099through an arcuate slot 2039 in the lever 2093. A cable (not shown)attached to aperture 2038 of the lever 2093 and threaded through cablegroove 2036 and cable guide 2098 may be attached at the other end to thehead deck section extension handle 2041. Another cable (not shown) alsoattached to the aperture 2038 of the lever 2093 may be threaded throughcable groove 2037 and another cable guide on longitudinal supportingstrut 2096 terminating at the head deck section extension handle on theother side of the head deck section.

Activating the latch release structure on the head deck sectionextension handle 2041 pulls the cable causing the lever 2093 to pivot,in turn pulling the spring-loaded pin 2090 out of the aperture 2092. Theextension cross-member 2083 may now be permitted to move, and lateralmovement of the extension cross-member 2083 brings the spring-loaded pin2090 into alignment first with aperture 2094 in the extensioncross-member 2083. Releasing the pin 2090 into the aperture 2094 locksthe extension cross-member 2083 into place at the second width position.

If the extension cross-member 2083 was allowed to move until thespring-loaded pin 2090 aligned with aperture 2097, releasing the pin2090 into the aperture 2097 locks the extension cross-member 2083 intoplace at the expanded third width position. Holding the deck extensionhandle 2041 keeps the spring-loaded pin 2090 retracted, while releasingthe deck extension handle 2041 allows the spring 2091 to bias the pin2090 toward the cross-member apertures 2092, 2094 or 2097.

With reference to FIG. 18, the head deck section extension handle 2041is shown comprising manual latch release structure 2045 having anaperture to which the cable (not shown) is connected, the cable beingfed through aperture 2046 in the deck extension handle 2041. Pulling upon handle portion 2047 pulls the cable and releases the head decksection extension latch mechanism by pulling the spring-loaded pin outof the aperture in the extension cross-member.

To sense the state (unlocked or locked) of the latch mechanism, deck 104includes a sensor 2090 a, which is mounted adjacent pin 2090 to sensewhether the pin is in its locked position (e.g. extended into theextension cross-member 2083 (fixed member)) or unlocked position. In theillustrated embodiment, the sensor 2090 a comprises an optical sensorthat detects the presence or absence of an arm 2090 b, which is coupledto the pin 2090 and moves with the pin in and out of the sensor 2090 a,which is more fully described and shown in reference to FIGS. 18A-18Cbelow. Although illustrated as a PCB mounted sensor, sensor 2090 a maycomprise a stand-alone non-PCB mounted sensor.

Alternatively or additionally, the head deck section extension handle2041 may provide an electric switch for electrically locking/unlockingthe extension latch mechanism. The electric switch may comprise aspring-leaf electrical contact 2048 and a button electrical contact2049. Pushing down on handle portion 2047 brings the spring-leafelectrical contact 2048 into electrical contact with the buttonelectrical contact 2049, which completes a circuit and sends a signal toa solenoid associated with the spring-loaded pin to pull the pin out ofthe aperture in the extension cross-member. The signal may be sentthrough wires or wirelessly.

Referring to FIGS. 18A-18C, in another embodiment of a latch mechanism3051, the latch pin 3090, while operating in a similar manner to pin2090 of latch mechanism 2051, is moved by a cable assembly 3093 from itslocked position to its unlocked position. Further, while in thisembodiment, latch mechanism 3051 is illustrated in the context of theseat deck section 2001, similar to latch mechanism 2051, latch mechanism3051 may be mounted in the other deck sections using the same or similarmounting arrangements.

In the illustrated embodiment, cable assembly 3093 may be an L-shapedcable assembly, including a push pull cable assembly, which supported bya pair of brackets on the fixed section of the deck section, in thisillustration on seat deck section 2001.

Latch pin 3090 is also a spring-loaded pin, with a wrap spring 3091, andsupported in a latch housing 3035 (shown in phantom in FIG. 18A andshown in cross-section in FIG. 18D). Spring 3091 biases the pin 3090toward the extension cross-member 2083 through an aperture 3035 a (FIG.18D) in the latch housing 3035 and through an opening 3092 a (FIG. 18D)in the fixed member, in this instance housing tube 2062. When thespring-loaded pin 3090 is aligned with an aperture 3092 b in theextension cross-member 2083, the pin 3090 is forced into the aperture3092 b by the spring 3091. Because the latch housing 3035 is fixedlymounted to housing tube 2061 as well as lateral support member 2061 a(shown in FIG. 18D), which do not move with the extension cross-member2083, the extension cross-member 2083 may be prevented from moving whenthe pin 3090 is engaged in the aperture 3092.

As noted, above the latch pin 3090 is moved to its unlatched position bya cable assembly 3093. The brackets 3093 a and 3093 b supporting thecable assembly may be mounted by fasteners 3093 a′ and 3093 b′ to thefixed section by way of housing 3035, which is best seen in FIG. 18D,though the fastener for bracket 3093 a is best seen in FIG. 18A. Thehead deck section extension latch mechanism 2051 may further comprise alever 2093 connected to the pin 2090 by a linking pin 2099 through anarcuate slot 2039 in the lever 2093.

The cable 3094 of cable assembly 3083 is coupled to the end of pin 3090by a coupler 3099 a and pin 3099 b (FIG. 18C). In this manner, whencable 3094 is pulled, pin 3090 will compress spring 3901 and move fromits locked position to its unlocked position. The other end of cable3094 includes a coupler 3094 a, such as a loop or ring, to which anothercable is coupled, which is coupled to the release handles 2042 of theseat deck section in a similar manner described in reference to latchmechanism 2051.

Activating the latch release structure on the seat deck sectionextension handle 2042 pulls the cable causing the cable 3094 to pull onthe spring-loaded pin 2090 out of the aperture 3092 b. The extensioncross-member 2083 may now be permitted to move, and lateral movement ofthe extension cross-member 2083 brings the spring-loaded pin 3090 intoalignment another opening or aperture, as described above.

To sense the state (unlocked or locked) of the latch mechanism 3051,deck 104 includes a similar sensor 2090 a, which is mounted adjacent pin3090 to sense whether the pin is in its locked position (e.g. extendedinto the extension cross-member 2083 (fixed member)) or unlockedposition. In a similar manner, sensor 2090 a detects the presence orabsence of arm 2090 b, which is coupled to the pin 3090 and moves withthe pin in and out of the sensor 2090 a. When in the sensor, arm 2090 ablocks transmission of light from one side of the sensor to the otherside, but when removed allows light to transmit from one side of thesensor to the other side of the sensor. Thus the presence or absence ofthe arm in sensor 2090 a may be used by the control system 3300 todetect when the latch pin in locked or unlocked. Although illustrated asa PCB mounted sensor, which board is coupled to the control system 3300by cable 2090 b, sensor 2090 a may comprise a stand-alone non-PCBmounted sensor.

Alternatively or additionally, similarly, the seat deck sectionextension handle 2042 may provide an electric switch for electricallylocking/unlocking the extension latch mechanism. For an example of anelectrical circuit that may be used, reference is made to latchmechanism 2051.

In addition, similar to the latch mechanism described below, pin 3090may have a variable profile that limits its extension into the openingsin the movable member to also indicate the width of the deck section tothe control system 3300.

As noted above, the base may also be adjusted in width and/or in length.Referring to FIGS. 19A and 19B, in order to accommodate the extendingdeck features and to distribute the patient load more evenly over thecasters when the deck is in a wider position, caster frame 142 isconfigured to space the casters farther apart laterally, for example,when the deck is in wider positions. Referring to FIG. 19A and 19B,perspective views of the caster frame 142 in a fully retracted positionfor a standard first width deck (FIG. 19A) and in an expanded position(FIG. 19B) are shown. The caster frame 142 may comprise caster framemain rails 2171 extending longitudinally between and linking two casterassemblies 118, which are joined with caster frame cross-members 2172 bybrackets 2183. Caster frame cross-members 2172 may comprise rectangulartubes that house caster extension slide tubes 2173 a, b, which are bestseen in FIG. 19B, and which are slidable laterally within the casterframe cross-member 2172. Thus, at least caster frame cross-members 2172represent the fixed portions of the base, while caster extension slidetubes 2173 a, b represent the movable portion of the base.

Connecting the left and right caster extension slide tubes 2173 a, b ofeach caster assembly 118 may be caster extension actuators 2174 tothereby adjust the spacing of the caster wheels and width of the casterframe 142. Actuators 2174 and optionally caster brake actuators are incommunication with and controlled by control system 3300. Thus, lateralextension of the casters 119 of caster assembly 118 may be controlled bythe caster extension actuator 2174 and control system 3300. Further, asnoted below, the adjustment of the width (or length) of caster frame 142may be monitored by control system 3300, using sensors, similar to orthe same as described in reference to the deck sections, and optionallyused as input into the control logic for taking action at patientsupport 100 and/or generating alerts or prompts to a user, such as acaregiver.

Optionally, the caster assemblies 118 may be equipped with manual brakepedals 117 to manually brake the caster wheel brakes. For example, brakepedals 117 may be connected to brake lever mechanisms 2175 that actuatebrake control rods 2181 connecting the brake lever mechanisms 2175 tothe casters 119 and the caster wheel brakes. For further optionaldetails of caster frame 142, reference is made to the above incorporatedapplications.

As noted above, the headboard may also be adjusted in width. Referringto FIG. 20, a width adjustable headboard 106 is shown at a standardfirst width supported on a headboard mounting bracket 2101. Theheadboard mounting bracket 2101 may be supported on headboard insert2114, which may be supported in the upper frame headboard mount on theupper frame (not shown) at the head end of the patient support. Theheadboard 106 may have two sections, a first headboard section 2106 aand a second headboard section 2106 b, which is slidably mounted tofirst headboard section 2106 a.

In the illustrated embodiment, first headboard section 2106 a includes apanel 2106 c on which second headboard section 2106 b is slidablymounted so that headboard is a two piece adjustable headboard. Each ofthe headboard sections may comprise headboard openings 2107, which maybe used as handgrips for handling the headboard 106. First and secondheadboard support clips 2112 a, 2112 b may be employed to help securethe sections together at the top and a headboard lock knob 2113, and atthe bottom may be used to lock the headboard sections 2106 a, 2106 b inplace. In the illustrated embodiment, thus, first headboard section 2106a represents the fixed portion of the headboard, while the secondheadboard section 2106 represent the movable portion of the headboard.FIGS. 21A-21C illustrate the headboard 106 at three different widths:the first standard width (FIG. 21A); the second intermediate width (FIG.21B); and the third more expanded width (FIG. 21C). For further of theconstruction and mounting details for the headboard, reference is madeto the above incorporated applications.

As described in the referenced and incorporated applications, the widthof the headboard may be manually adjusted or may be adjusted by anactuator 2115, such as shown in FIG. 22A and FIG. 22B, which is incommunication with and controlled by control system 3300. Thus, thefirst headboard section 2106 a and the second headboard section 2106 bmay be driven apart or together by actuator 2115 under the control ofcontrol system 3300. Further, in addition or alternatively, as will beunderstood from the forgoing description, the adjustment of the width ofheadboard may be monitored by control system 3300 using sensors, similarto or the same as described in reference to the deck sections, andoptionally used as input into the control logic for taking action atpatient support 100 and/or generating alerts or prompts to a user, suchas a caregiver, such as described below.

As described above, the patient support is configured to achievedifferent litter deck positions and articulations, and the deck sectionsmay be independently and separately adjustable. When deck sections arenot adjusted to the same width, however, a risk for increased pinch andentrapment conditions exists, and/or mechanical interference/damage tocorresponding side rail structures and mattress keepers can occur.Similarly, when the headboard 106 or the base is expanded, there is arisk of interference when trying to move the patient support.

Additionally, as described more fully below, patient support height andside rail conditions and restrictions may be monitored and compared tothe corresponding deck width positions to help prevent crush or otherinterference conditions. For example, when the deck width is in thestandard 36″ position and the side rails are in their low position, itmay be desirable to restrict the low height of the patient support deckin order to prevent interference of the side rails with the lower frame.Optionally, it also may be desirable to detect and monitor the deckwidth of each of the primary deck sections, as well as detect andmonitor the respective latch or locking conditions of each latchmechanism for each deck section.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the deck sections that are adjusted to,and optionally locked at the same width relative to one another, areconsidered to be in an acceptable deck width configuration. In contrast,deck sections that are adjusted to, and optionally locked at differentwidths relative to one another, are considered to be in an unacceptabledeck width configuration Similarly, when the deck sections are unlocked,optionally regardless of the width of the deck sections, may be regardedas in an unacceptable deck configuration. Further, when the width of thedeck is not known, it may be considered in an unknown state—which againmay be undesirable.

As more fully described below, in reference to the deck sections,detecting status of the adjustable support components, such as the deckwidth of the deck sections, of the headboard, and/or of the base, may beachieved using sensors configured to detect and monitor changes inposition, condition, or movement of the adjustable portion of thepatient support component. Sensors may also be used to determine if theheight and width of the patient support deck and the side rail positionfall within the acceptable configuration as determined by the controlcircuit of the bed controls system. Further, the sensors may detect thata particular deck section is locked or unlocked. Other input that may beused to control system 3300 includes, as noted, the status of the drivesystem and/or the locked or unlocked status of the casters.

Referring again to FIG. 24, control system 3300 includes a controlcircuit with one or more controllers (often referred to as controlboard) 3302 (only one shown n FIG. 24), with each including a processor3304 electrically coupled to an input/output interface 3306 and memory3308 and which is in communication with one or more actuators on thepatient support and one or more sensors for monitoring various functionsat the patient support. The controller(s) 3302 may be situated in acontrol box that is attached or otherwise coupled to the patient support100. Further, the controller(s) 3302 may be physically integrated withanother component of the system 3300, such as the caregiver's controlpanel 120 (FIG. 1).

The processor 3304 may be a microprocessor, such as the kindcommercially available from Freescale™ Semiconductor. The processor 3304may be a single processor or a group of processors that cooperate. Theprocessor 3304 may be a multicore processor. The processor 3304 iscapable of executing instructions obtained from the memory 3308 andcommunicating with an input/output interface 3306.

The memory 3308 may include one or more of flash memory, dynamicrandom-access memory, read-only memory, and the like. In addition, thememory 3308 may include a hard drive. The memory 3308 is capable ofstoring data and instructions for the processor 3304. Examples ofinstructions include compiled program code, such as a binary executable,that is directly executable by the processor 3304 and interpretedprogram code, such as Java® bytecode, that is compiled by the processor3304 into directly executable instructions. Instructions may take theform programmatic entities such as programs, routines, subroutines,classes, objects, modules, and the like, and such entities will bereferred to herein as programs, for the sake of simplicity. The memory3308 may retain at least some of the instructions stored therein withoutpower.

The memory 3308 stores a program 3310 executable by the processor 3304to control operations of the patient support 100. The controller 3302comprising the processor 3304 executing the program 3310, whichconfigures the processor 3304 to perform actions described withreference to the program 3310, may control, for example, the height ofthe upper frame 102, articulation of the patient support deck 104 (e.g.,upper-body tilt and knee height), exit alarm settings, unlatching orlatching of a side rail in the case of a side rail that iselectromechanically controlled, and the like. The controller 3302 mayalso be configured to obtain operational data from the patient support100, as will be discussed below. Operational data obtained by thecontroller 3302 may be used by the processor 3304 and program 3310 todetermine control limits for the patient support 100.

The memory 3308 also stores data 3312 accessible by the processor 3304.The data 3312 may include data related to the execution of the program3310, such as temporary working data. The data 3312 may additionally oralternatively include data related to properties of the patient support100, such as a patient support serial number, model number, MAC address,IP address, feature set, current configuration, and the like. The data3312 may additionally or alternatively include operational data obtainedfrom components, such as sensors and actuators, of the patient support100. As will be more fully described below, operational data may includethe status (e.g. width, length, and/or locked or unlocked state) of anyof the adjustable components of the patient support 100, including thepatient support deck 104, the base (the caster frame 142), and/or theend boards, the height of the upper frame 102, an articulated state ofthe patient support deck 104, a status of the side rails 110, 113, anexit alarm setting or status, and an occupant weight.

As noted above, control system 3300 may include multiple controllers.Referring to FIG. 24, controller 3302 may include a main control unit(MCU) controller 3302 a, an actuator controller 3302 b, and a deckposition module controller 3302 c, each with their own processor 3304 a,3304 b, and 3304 c and memory 3308 a, 3308 b, and 3308 c. For example,the actuator controller 3302 c may include, as noted, a separateprocessor 3304 c, and a sensor interface to couple to sensors S.Similarly, the deck position module controller 3302 b may include, asnoted, a separate processor 3304 b, and a sensor interface to couple tosensors S. The main control unit 3302 a may be a separate unit thatmonitors the signals and information from the actuator controller 3302 cand deck positioning module 3302 b, via communication channels, eitherhard wired channels or wireless channels, and then is configured to makedecisions to generate alerts, prompts, or to take action, such asprevent motion. Because each controller has memory and software, thedecision to generate alerts, prompts, or to take may made globally (atmain control unit 3302 a) and/or locally, e.g., at the actuatorcontroller 3302 c.

For further details of control system 3300, including other operationaldata that may be stored, tracked, or evaluated, and the interfacebetween the control system and the various patient support components,reference is made to the above incorporated applications.

Referring to FIG. 57, controller 3302 (FIG. 24) monitors the state ofone or more patient support components (4000). Based on the signal orsignals from sensor or sensors S, controller 3302 will determine thestatus of the monitored support component 4010. In one embodiment, asnoted, control system 3300 includes one or more sensors S (genericallyidentified by the letter S in FIGS. 1, 9, 24, and 24A) adapted to detecta status of the patient support 100, such as the status of an adjustablecomponent of the patient support 100, which are in communication withcontroller 3302. For example, the adjustable component may be thepatient support deck 104, the headboard 106, and/or the base formed bycaster frame 142. The status may include the width and/or length of thecomponent or the locked or unlocked state of the component. If thesensor or one of the sensors detect an unacceptable state, thecontroller 3302 may apply restrictions on the patient support at 4012.The restriction may include limiting any one or the patient supportcontrollers or actuators at the patient support 4016. For example, thesoftware logic may be configured to prevent bed motion depending on thestate of the sensor(s)—the conditions of the various sensors asmonitored must meet the specific conditions established and set in thesoftware logic in order to permit a particular bed motion capability. Ifthe conditions as monitored are not met for a particular bed motioncapability, the software logic will not permit the respective andassociated bed motion(s).

When the sensor or all sensors indicate the monitored patient supportcomponent is an acceptable state, the controller may not apply anyrestrictions and allow the patient support controllers and actuators tofunction without any restrictions imposed as a result of an unacceptablestate. The monitored state may include, for example, the height, length,and/or width of the patient support deck, the length and/or width of thebase, and/or the width the headboard, and/or the locked or unlockedstate thereof, as well as the position of the side rails.

In one embodiment, controller 3302 is configured to detect the statussensed by sensor or sensors S and to determine if the status of thepatient support deck 104 is within (or at) an acceptable configuration.The controller 3302 may be configured to generate a signal based on thestatus detected by the sensor when the sensor detects that the patientsupport deck is in an acceptable configuration or when the patientsupport deck is in an unacceptable configuration or both. The status ofthe patient support deck 104 may be related to a number of electrical orphysical characteristics of the patient support deck 104.

In some embodiments, the patient support deck 104 is width-adjustable.Accordingly, the sensor(s) may be adapted to sense the width of thepatient support deck 104, and the controller 3302 is configured todetermine if the patient support deck 104 is in an unacceptable widthconfiguration based on the sensed deck support width. The control system3300 may be adapted to issue an alert, such as visual or audible alert,or generated prompts to the caregiver to take action if the patientsupport deck 104 is determined to be in an unacceptable widthconfiguration. The control system 3300 may alert or prompt the user orcaregiver with audio and/or visual indicators, such as iconography,displayed text messages, dynamic icons or videos or animations, oraudible alarms to communicate and alert the caregiver that the patientsupport deck 104 is unlocked and/or in an unacceptable widthconfiguration and/or prompt the caregiver to take action. For example,as described below, control system 3300 may prompt the user or caregiverto adjust the width of the headboard or the width of the mattress.

In one embodiment, control system 3300, as noted, includes a pluralityof sensors S for monitoring each of the deck section positions—namely,the positions of the head deck section 105, the seat deck section 2001,and the foot deck section 2002. When the deck sections are each lockedand in one of the three “approved ” deck widths, e.g. 36″, 42″, or 48″,then the deck section sensors are each considered in a known state.Conversely, if any of the sensors S detect that the respective decksection is unlocked or outside the approved widths, then the sensors Sis considered by the control system 3300 in an unknown state. When anunknown state is detected, control system 3300 may then generate analert, a prompt, and/or takes an action to prohibit movement of thepatient support apparatus or a component of the patient supportapparatus described above.

In one aspect, for example, when one of the deck sections is in anexpanded width and the control system senses that another deck sectionor both of the other deck sections are not, control system 3300 mayissue a prompt to the caregiver to make sure that the other deck sectionor deck sections are also adjusted. As described above, control system3300 may include a display at control panel 120 with a display screen122 on which various messages, using text or icons, may be displayed.For example, referring to FIGS. 24A-D, control system 3300 may generatean alert, for example, in the form of text 122 a, including, but notlimited to, alerting the caregiver that there is a deck width alert, andfurther specify the relevant deck section. Further, the text may includespecific instructions 122 b to adjust the relevant deck section to aspecified width or to match it with a specified section.

In addition, control system 3300 may generate an icon 122 c thatrepresents the deck and its deck sections and, further, may generateanother icon 122 d, such as an arrow, or other indication that a decksection needs to be adjusted. The other indication may include colorcoding of the deck sections, or just outlining the deck sections with acolor and then varying the color to indicate which deck section needs tobe adjusted. Thus, the icon may also be used to prompt the user toadjust the caregiver to adjust the headboard.

For example, referring to FIG. 24B, when the foot deck section is notadjusted to the same width as the head and mid sections, icon 122 d maybe located adjacent the foot deck section to indicate that the footsection needs to be adjusted and prompt the caregiver to make widthadjustments to make the width of the three deck sections match.

Similarly referring to FIG. 24C, when the head deck section is notadjusted to the same width as the mid and foot sections, icon 122 d maybe located adjacent the head deck section to indicate that the headsection needs to be adjusted. Referring to FIG. 24D, when the mid decksection is not adjusted to the same width as the head and foot sections,icon 122 d may be located adjacent the mid deck section to indicate thatthe mid deck section needs to be adjusted. On the other hand, when noneof the deck sections are in an approved width, control system 3300 mayindicate at display 122 that all the sections must be adjusted to match(FIG. 24E).

Once the deck sections have all been changed to a new width, or afterthe bed is initially powered on, the control system 3300 may display oneof the display screens shown in FIGS. 24F-H and discussed below inreference to the headboard, to provide prompts to the user to manuallyadjust the headboard and mattress width to match the corresponding widthof the deck.

Referring to FIG. 9, the width-adjustable patient support deck 104 mayinclude adjustable-width mechanisms, as described above. In theillustrated embodiment, as noted, the extendible sections are formedfrom deck extension pans 2031, 2032, 2033, 2034 and include rack andpinion mechanisms 2065. The rack and pinion mechanisms 2065 may behoused within fixed rack and pinion mechanism housing tubes 2061, 2062,2063, and 2064. Each patient support deck section (head deck section105, knee deck section 107, seat deck section 2001, and foot decksection 2002) may include two rack and pinion mechanisms 2065 and atotal of four extension cross-members 2081, 2082, 2083, 2084 slidablysupported in respective housing tubes. Each patient support deck sectionalso includes a locking mechanism, for example, deck latch mechanisms2051, 2052, and 2054, such as described in reference to FIG. 18 andFIGS. 18A-18C, which illustrate an alternate embodiment of the latchmechanism.

Accordingly, the upper frame 102, also referred to as a patient supportdeck frame, includes a fixed section with a plurality of fixed members,such as fixed rack and pinion mechanism housing tubes 2061, 2062, 2063,and 2064, and a movable section with a plurality of movable members,such as extension cross-members 2081, 2082, 2083, and 2084. It should beunderstood that the described adjustable width patient support deck isexemplary and should not be interpreted as limiting the presentinvention to that particular embodiment. The present invention may beexecuted in connection with any other suitable patient support deckframe comprising a fixed section and a movable extendible section.

To illustrate the structure and function of the adjustable-width patientsupport deck 104, reference is made to FIGS. 25-57, which illustrate onesection of the patient support deck, in particular, the seat decksection 2001. The other deck sections—the head section 105, the kneedeck section 107, and the foot deck section 2002—may be similar Thebelow embodiments refer to seat deck section rack and pinion mechanismhousing tube(s) and the fixed member (e.g., fixed rack and pinionmechanism housing tube 2062) and movable member (e.g. extensioncross-member 2083); however, the fixed member (e.g., fixed rack andpinion mechanism housing tube 2062) housing the sensors and switchesdescribed below has been removed in FIGS. 25-28 in order to view theinterior components. Further although illustrated in reference to one ofthe deck sections, the same or similar sensor arrangements may beprovided between the other deck sections and between the fixed portionof the headboard and movable portion of the headboard or between thefixed portion of the base and movable portion of the base.

As described below, control system 3300 is configured to monitor thewidth and locked status of each of the deck sections and, optionally, aswell as of the headboard and base. To monitor the width and lockedstatus, as noted control system 3300 includes various sensors S (FIGS.1, 9, and 24) that may be used to detect the width (or length) of thedeck (headboard and/or base) and the locked or unlocked status of thedeck section latch mechanisms (e.g., 2051, 2052, 2054 (see FIG. 12)),including non-contact based sensors and contact-based sensors. Fordetails of sensors S, reference is made to the detail description thatfollows. In any of the described sensors, it should be understood thatthe sensors may be PCB mounted sensors or a stand-alone non-PCB mountedsensors.

Further, the sensors may use discrete sensor signals or continuoussignals. In some cases, the sensors may provide approximate widths ofthe deck sections and, hence, require another signal to provide theexact position. In other cases, the sensors provide the exact positionsof the deck section extensions. Additionally, the sensors may use binarysensors that provide binary signals.

While the detailed illustration of the various sensors are made inreference to one of the deck sections, namely seat section 2001, itshould be understood that the detailed description of the sensors belowapplies to the sensors mounted in the other deck sections, as well asthe headboard and/or the base.

Referring to FIGS. 24-28, in one exemplary embodiment of a non-contactsensor, the patient support 100 and width-adjustable patient supportdeck 104 may include a sensor 3006 in the form of an optical sensor thatis used in conjunction with a readable label or tag 3008, such as areflective label described below. One example of an optical sensorincludes a PCB mounted phototransistor and photodiode, or,alternatively, a stand-alone non-PCB mounted sensor. In the illustratedembodiment, the sensor 3006 is mounted to one of the fixed members(e.g., fixed rack and pinion mechanism housing tube 2062) (removed forclarity) of the fixed section of the patient support deck frame 102.However, it should be understood that the position of the sensor and thetag 3008 (and light source described below) may be reversed—in otherwords, the sensor can be mounted to one of the movable member (e.g.extension cross-member 2083) and the tag mounted to the fixed member(e.g., fixed rack and pinion mechanism housing tube 2062).

In the illustrated embodiment, the readable label or tag 3008 comprisesan adhesive backed reflective strip with multiple reflective gradientsections, which may be mounted to one of the movable members, forexample, extension cross-member 2083, of the patient support deck frame102.

A light source (not shown) may be mounted to the fixed member (e.g.,fixed rack and pinion mechanism housing tubes 2062), which is directedand aligned (e.g. vertically) with the reflective strip. As the deckwidth is adjusted between the different deck width positions (i.e., 36″,42″ and 48″), the reflective strip will move past the light source andsensor so that the sensor will receive reflections back from thereflective strip, with different signals being generated by thevariations in the reflective gradient and received by the sensor as theextendible section of the deck is moved.

For example, in the illustrated embodiment, tag 3008 includes threedifferent sections 3008 a, 3008 b, and 3008 c, for example, threedifferent reflective gradient sections. As a result, the amount of lightfrom the light source that is reflected back from the reflective strip3008 sensed by the sensor 3006 and communicated to the controller 3302will vary as the extendible section of the deck is extended orretracted. Thus controller 3302, utilizing stored data, may determinethe approximate patient support deck width (whether it is in the 36″range, 42″ range or 48″ range) based on the sensed amount of light.Because both extendible sections of the deck move in unison, a singleoptical sensor may be used to sense the width for both sides of thepatient support deck.

However, in order to determine the exact width of the deck, controller3302 will need additional input. As noted above controller 3302 receivessignals from the sensor 2090 a of the latch mechanism of the respectivedeck section. Thus, when controller 3302 receives signals from thesensor 2090 a of the latch mechanism of the respective deck section thatthe latch pin is locked, controller 3302 can use that signal to confirmthe exact width of the deck section when combined with the opticalsensor signal of the width of the deck section.

For example, in the standard 36″ deck width position, the reflectivestrip might reflect back 90% of the emitted light from the light source.Comparatively, in the expanded 48″ deck width position, perhaps onlyabout 5%-10% of the emitted light is reflected back and sensed by theoptical sensor 3006. The amount of reflected light measured by theoptical sensor 3006 may be converted into a corresponding electricalcurrent output, which is used by the control system 3300 to interpolateand indicate the corresponding patient support deck width. Optical lightmethodologies may be used such as infrared light, UV light, laser, andcolor detection sensing.

Each deck section can include the described optical sensor 3006, lightsource, and the reflective strip, therefore the controller 3302 candetermine the width of each individual deck section based on thereadings of the reflective strip taken by the sensor and based on thelatch sensor signals. The controller 3302 may then determine if thepatient support deck 104 is in an unacceptable width configuration. Anunacceptable width configuration may occur when one or more of the decksections is not positioned at the same width, or if the width at whichthe patient support deck is positioned is determined to be incompatiblewith the height of the patient support 100 and/or the position of theside rails. The control system 3300 may issue an alert or a prompt ifthe patient support deck 104 is determined to be in an unacceptablewidth configuration.

Alternately, the reflective strip may include four reflective gradientsections, which are aligned so that the transitions between thedifferent gradients align with a designated width, e.g. 36″, 42″, or48″, so that the controller 3302 may detect and use the change in thesignal (which would have a step profile) as the indication of the widththe deck section. In this manner, the optical sensor signal could beused alone without the latch sensor signal to indicate the exact widthof the deck section.

In another embodiment, the sensor 3006 may be in the form of a coloroptical sensor that detects and differentiates between colors. The colorsensor may be mounted to a fixed member (e.g., fixed rack and pinionmechanism housing tube 2062) of the patient support deck frame 102 andthe readable label or tag 3008 may be in the form of a color strip, forexample, a color strip with multiple colored sections, similar to thereflective gradient sections described above. Similarly, the color stripmay be mounted to one of the movable members, for example, extensioncross-member 2083 of the patient support deck frame 102, while sensor3006 is mounted to a fixed member, as noted above.

As the deck width is adjusted between the different deck widthpositions, one color on the color strip will align with and be sensed bythe color sensor. Using color sensing, each corresponding deck widthposition could have a unique color associated with it that could bedetected and monitored accordingly (i.e., 36″=green, 42″=blue, and48″=red). The color may be communicated to the controller 3302, and thenthe controller 3302, utilizing stored data, may determine the exact orapproximate patient support deck width based on the sensed color andthen using the latch sensor signal to determine the exact width whenonly an approximate width can be determined. For example, an approximatewidth can be determined when using color sections that span a range ofmovement, and an exact width can be determined by using color bars thatalign exactly with each of the defined positions, or by using thetransitions between the colors in a similar manner as noted above inreference to the reflective gradient sections.

According to yet another embodiment, referring to FIG. 28A, the sensor3006′ may be in the form of an RFID (radio frequency identification)reader or sensor and the readable label or tag 3008′ may comprise anRFID tag, including a passive or active RFID tag. Sensor 3006′ may be aPCB mounted RFID reader (as shown) or, alternatively, a stand-alonenon-PCB mounted sensor. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor 3006′is mounted to the fixed member (e.g., fixed rack and pinion mechanismhousing tube 2062) of the patient support deck frame 102. However, itshould be understood that the position of the sensor and the tag 3008′may be reversed—in other words, the sensor can be mounted to a movablemember and the tag mounted to a fixed member.

In the illustrated embodiment, tag 3008 includes three RFID tags 3008a′, 3008 b′, and 3008 c′ encoded with digital data that corresponds tospecific deck width positions may be mounted to the movable member (e.g.extension cross-member 2083) of the patient support deck frame 102 inthe correlating deck width locations. As noted, sensor 3006′ is mountedto the fixed member (e.g., fixed rack and pinion mechanism housing tubes2062), which is removed for clarity to show the tag 3008′ and movablemember, namely extension cross-member 2083.

For example, sensor 3006′ may be mounted on the outside surface of thefixed member (e.g., fixed rack and pinion mechanism housing tube 2062),which includes a viewing opening there through aligned with the sensorto allow the sensor to read the RFID tags as they move passed theviewing opening. Alternately, the sensor may be mounted on the insidesurface of the fixed member (e.g., fixed rack and pinion mechanismhousing tube 2062) if sufficient gaps are provided between the movablemember and fixed member.

As the deck width is adjusted between the different deck widthpositions, the RFID reader senses or reads the encoded digital data ofthe adjacent RFID tag and communicates the RFID tag reading to thecontroller 3302. Utilizing stored data, the controller 3302 maydetermine the patient support deck width based on the RFID tag reading.An output voltage corresponding to the RFID tag reading may be used bythe control system 3300 to interpolate and indicate a current deck widthposition. Optionally, the RFID tag may be a wireless emitter or readertag.

Alternatively, the reader may instead be a bar code reader, such as a QRcode reader, and the readable labels or tag may comprise bar codelabels, such as QR code labels, and the controller 3302 can determinethe corresponding width of the patient support deck 104 based on the barcode reading. It is contemplated that the RFID tag or bar code may beconfigured as alternate readable code, such as barcodes. The term“barcode” is used broadly to include one dimensional and two dimensionalbarcodes, such as barcodes formed from a plurality of lines (or bars) orbarcodes formed from a plurality of shapes, such QR codes, Qcodes,DotCodes, EZcodes, or the like, as well as color barcodes.

Referring to FIGS. 29-32, according to another embodiment, the sensormay be in the form of a magnetic field sensor 3018, which senses magnetsplaced on the movable portion of the deck. Again, the placement of thesensor and magnets can be reversed. Referring to FIG. 29, in theillustrated embodiment, two or more permanent magnets 3016 may beinstalled at different positions on the movable member (e.g. extensioncross-member 2083) of the patient support deck frame 102. Using twosensors 3018 and two magnets 3016, the sensors can detect the threerespective deck width positions. The magnetic field sensors may bestand-alone or PCBA mounted and may be mounted to the fixed member(e.g., fixed rack and pinion mechanism housing tube 2062) of the patientsupport deck frame 102.

The sensors 3018 can detect the corresponding magnetic flux fields ofeach of the permanent magnets 3016. In one embodiment, the magneticfield sensors 3018 comprise switches that will open or close in responseto the presence or absence of the magnets 3016 as the deck width isadjusted between the different deck width positions so thereby provide abinary type deck width sensing. The open or closed state of the switchesis communicated to the controller 3302, and then the controller 3302,utilizing stored data, may determine the patient support deck widthbased on the open or closed state of each of the switches.

In one example, the sensors comprise reed switches to detect either thepresence or absence of a magnetic field from the magnets 3016 at each ofthe positions. When a magnetic field is detected, the reed switches are‘made’ (closed), and when magnetic field is no longer detected switchesare ‘break’ (open). In this arrangement, the reed switches may be usedfor binary type deck width position sensing where the three deckpositions may be detected, but deck width positions between the threedeck width positions may not be detectable. An example using two magnetsand two switches using the open/break and closed/made status of eachswitch is illustrated in the Table 1 below.

TABLE 1 STATE OF SWITCHES (2 SWITCH ARRAY) DECK WIDTH REED REED POSITIONSWITCH 1 (B) SWITCH 2 (A) UNKNOWN OPEN OPEN 36″ CLOSED OPEN 42″ CLOSEDCLOSED 48″ OPEN CLOSED

In another embodiment, the magnetic field sensor 3018 may be in the formof a hall effect sensor. Similar to the previous embodiment, two magnets3016 having varying magnetic field strength may be installed on themovable member (e.g. extension cross-member 2083) of the patient supportdeck frame 102. The hall effect sensor can detect the correspondingintensity of the magnetic field of each of the magnets 3016. As the deckwidth is adjusted between the different deck width positions, the halleffect sensor activates a voltage output that correlates to the magneticfield strength of the aligned magnet 3016. The voltage output of thehall effect sensor is communicated to the controller 3302, and thecontroller 3302, utilizing stored data, may determine the patientsupport deck width based on the voltage output of the hall effectsensor. An output voltage that is directly proportional to the magneticfield output may be used by the control system 3300 to interpolate andindicate a current deck width position, using the same logic shown abovein Table 1.

In an alternate embodiment, three magnets and one magnetic sensor may beused, with each magnet being located to correspond to the threedifferent width positions of the extendible section of the deck section.

Referring to FIGS. 33-36, in still another embodiment, the sensor may bein the form of two or more discrete mechanical switches 3020. Forexample, the switches 3020 (lever, plunger, etc.) can be positioned inspecific or strategic positional arrangements or arrays, whichmechanically interface and interact with the movable member (e.g.extension cross-member 2083) to generate signals used by the controlsystem to determine the width of the deck section. The ‘open’ or‘closed’ state of the switches can be used by the control system 3300and software to interpolate and determine the specific deck widthposition. Like magnetic reed switches, discreet switches can be used forbinary type deck width position sensing where the acceptable locked andlatched deck width positions can be detected, but positions in-betweenapproved deck width positions cannot (which in the table are referred toas “unknown”).

In this embodiment, an arm 3022 may be mounted on the movable member(e.g. extension cross-member 2083), which extends through a slottedopening formed in fixed member (e.g., fixed rack and pinion mechanismhousing tube 2062) (removed for clarity) of the patient support deckframe 102. As the expandible section of the deck section moves, so toodoes the arm. The switches are arranged along the path of the arm sothat they correspond to a specific width of the deck section and whenactivated by the arm, therefore, can be used to provide feedback to thecontroller about the width of the deck section.

The switches 3020 may open or close in response to contact with the arm3022 when the movable member (e.g. extension cross-member 2083) of thepatient support deck frame 102 moves. The controller 3302, utilizingstored data, is configured to determine the patient support deck widthbased on the open or closed state of discrete switches 3020.

In one embodiment, a switch is located at each width position—in otherwords for a deck section that has three widths, three switches can beused, Using the state of each switch, the controller can determine thewidth of the deck section, using the logic in the Table 2 below. Forexample, each switch may have a normally open state. As the arm movesover each switch, the state of the switch changes from open to closed.When the arm moves passed the switch, then the switch returns to itsnormally open state. Thus, when one switch is closed, the controller candetermine the width of the deck section, but the positions in-betweenapproved deck width positions cannot (which in the table are referred toas “unknown”).

TABLE 2 STATE OF SWITCHES DECK WIDTH (3 SWITCH ARRAY) POSITION SWITCH BSWITCH C SWITCH A UNKNOWN OPEN OPEN OPEN 36″ CLOSED OPEN OPEN 42″ OPENCLOSED OPEN 48″ OPEN OPEN CLOSED

In another embodiment, two switches may be used. When using twoswitches, a second input is needed depending on where the switches arelocated. For example, using a similar arrangement to the arrangementsimilar to that shown in FIG. 33, using only switches labeled A and C,the signals from the switches may be used along with the locked statussignal from the sensor 2090 a (described above), which detects thestatus of the latch mechanism. The logic that may be used is show inTable 3 below:

TABLE 3 STATE OF WIDTH DETECT SWITCHES Deck Latch/Lock DECK WIDTH (2SWITCH ARRAY) Sensor/Switch POSITION SWITCH 1(A) SWITCH 2(B) SWITCH 3(C)UNKNOWN OPEN or OPEN or *OPEN (not locked) CLOSED CLOSED 36″ OPEN CLOSEDCLOSED (locked) 42″ OPEN OPEN CLOSED (locked) 48″ CLOSED OPEN CLOSED(locked)

Alternatively, the switches could be arranged along a center rotatingcamshaft included on the rack and pinion deck adjustment mechanism sothat as the shaft rotates the switches will be compressed by a structureor structures formed or provided on the fixed member (e.g., fixed rackand pinion mechanism housing tube 2062) of the deck section. Theswitches could interface with and engage the various cams in the samemanner that a traditional camshaft engages with piston valves, or aswith a music box player. As the deck sections are positioned, the camsaffect the respective switches with a specific open or closedconfiguration unique to that deck position. Examples using two or threeswitches, using the open/break and closed/made status of each switch areillustrated in Tables 4 and 5 below.

TABLE 4 STATE OF SWITCHES DECK WIDTH (3 SWITCH ARRAY) POSITION SWITCH 1SWITCH 2 SWITCH 3 UNKNOWN OPEN OPEN OPEN 36″ CLOSED OPEN OPEN 42″ OPENCLOSED OPEN 48″ OPEN OPEN CLOSED

TABLE 5 STATE OF SWITCHES DECK WIDTH (2 SWITCH ARRAY) POSITION SWITCH 1SWITCH 2 UNKNOWN OPEN OPEN 36″ CLOSED OPEN 42″ OPEN CLOSED 48″ CLOSEDCLOSED

Referring to FIGS. 37-41, in one exemplary embodiment, the sensor may bein the form of another mechanical switch, such as a multi-axis switch3024, often referred to as a joystick switch, which includes a fixedbase portion 3024 a and a protruding portion 3024 b. In the illustratedembodiment, fixed base portion 3024 a of the multi-axis switch 3024 ismounted to the fixed member (e.g., fixed rack and pinion mechanismhousing tube 2062) of the patient support deck frame 102 via a mountingbracket 3025 with the protruding portion 3024 b extending through anopening provided in the fixed member so that it can be moved by themovable member (e.g. extension cross-member 2083) of the deck section ina manner so that the switch generates different signals based on theposition of the movable member of the deck section.

In the illustrated embodiment, the movable member (e.g. extensioncross-member 2083) of the patient support deck section includes a camshaped feature 3026 provided by a cutout whose edge 3026 a, which formsthe cam surface, guides the protruding “joystick” portion 3024 b in a X,Y, and/or Z direction (up and down and also laterally (at the opposedends)) to indicate the width of the deck section. In other words, thecam feature 3026 is sized and shaped to force the joystick portion 3024b of the multi-axis switch 3024 to move in a X, Y, and/or Z direction inresponse to contact with the cam feature 3026 when the movable member(e.g. extension cross-member 2083) and cam feature 3026 moves.

The direction in which the multi-axis switch 3024 is forced in responseto the change of the deck section width is communicated to thecontroller 3302. Using stored data, the controller 3302 may determinethe patient support deck width based on the direction. The direction,which the joystick portion 3024 b is forced results in a correlatingoutput of the multi-axis switch 3024 that may be used by the controlsystem 3300 and software to interpolate and indicate specific deck widthposition. An example using a multi-axis switch, and detecting the +X,−X, +Y, and −Y axis direction status of the switch is illustrated in theTable 6 below.

TABLE 6 DECK WIDTH STATE OF SENSOR/SWITCH POSITION X+ Axis X− Axis Y+Axis Y− Axis UNKNOWN 0 0 0 0 36″ 1 0 0 0 42″ 0 0 1 0 48″ 0 1 0 0

Referring to FIG. 42, in one exemplary embodiment, the sensor may be inthe form of a potentiometer 3028. In the illustrated embodiment, thepotentiometer is a string potentiometer with a rotating spool and ameasuring cable or string 3030. The measuring cable 3030 is coupled onend to the spool (wound around the spool), which is biased to recoil themeasuring cable 3030 about the spool. The potentiometer 3028 may bemounted to the fixed member (e.g., fixed rack and pinion mechanismhousing tube 2062) of the patient support deck frame 102, with other endof the measuring cable 3030 coupled to the movable member (e.g.extension cross-member 2083) about, for example, about the rack andpinion shaft 2072. As the deck width is adjusted, shaft 2072 rotates towind (pull) or unwind the cable from shaft 2072. Therefore, as themovable member (e.g. extension cross-member 2083) moves, the measuringcable 3030 is either reeled in or reeled out about the spool, and thepotentiometer 3028 measures the movement of the movable member (e.g.extension cross-member 2083) based on the rotation and output voltage ofthe spool.

The measured movement is communicated to the controller 3302 and,utilizing stored data, the controller 3302 may determine thecorresponding patient support deck width based on the measured movement.The corresponding rotation and output of the potentiometer 3028 may beused by the control system 3300 (and software stored therein) tointerpolate and indicate the specific deck width position.

Optionally or additionally, as the potentiometer spool rotates in aparticular direction and/or speed, both the pull velocity and directionof the movable member (e.g. extension cross-member 2083) of thecorresponding deck section may be interpolated and determined.

Referring to FIG. 42A, in another embodiment, a rotary potentiometer3028′ with a gear 3028 a′may be used to sense the width of the decksection. For example, rotary potentiometer 3028′ may be oriented so thatits gear 3028 a′ engages a gear 2072 a mounted to the rotating shaft2072 of the rack and pinion width adjust mechanism. Thus, as the shaftrotates to change the width of the deck section, gear 2072 a will rotategear 3028 a′, whose position may be used to monitor the width of thedeck section. This embodiment provides a continuous signal, which may beused by controller 3302 (using stored data and software stored therein)to interpolate and indicate the specific deck width position. Inaddition to monitoring the deck section width, similar to the stringpotentiometer, velocity and pull direction may also be monitored usingthe described configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 43-45, in another exemplary embodiment, thepotentiometer may be a linear slide potentiometer 3032 having a slider3034. The body of the slide potentiometer 3032 may be mounted to thefixed member (e.g., fixed rack and pinion mechanism housing tube 2062)of the patient support deck frame 102. A cam shaped feature 3026′ may beprovided on the movable member (e.g. extension cross-member 2083) of thepatient support deck frame 102 and the slide potentiometer 3032 may bepositioned such that the protruding slider 3034 engages and is guided bythe cam shaped feature 3026′, similar to the previous embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cam shaped feature 3026′ is formed bya linear cutout. The linear cutout forms a ramp that is angled to movethe slider 3034 in the Y direction as the movable member (e.g. extensioncross-member 2083), and hence cam shaped feature 3026 moves. The slidepotentiometer 3032 measures the movement of the slider 3034 andcommunicates the measurement to the controller 3302. Using stored data,the controller 3302 may determine the corresponding patient support deckwidth based on the measured movement of the slider 3034. The slider 3034moves into a position that provides a correlating output voltage thatmay be used by the control system 3300 and software to interpolate andindicate the specific deck width position.

Alternatively, the potentiometer could be a three position toggle orslide switch where the corresponding switch position is controlled anddetermined by the deck width position as the switch travels inside thecam shaped feature.

Referring to FIG. 45A, according to another embodiment, the sensor maybe in the form of a piezoelectric strain gauge sensor 3036. Thepiezoelectric sensor 3036 may be mounted to the fixed member (e.g.,fixed rack and pinion mechanism housing tube 2062) similar to the linearpotentiometer described, with a projecting pin or other structure 3038that engages the movable member. In the illustrated embodiment, similarto the previous embodiments, the movable member (e.g. extensioncross-member 2083) includes a cutout 3026″, such as a channel, with aramped edge 3026 a″ that is engaged by the projecting pin. As themovable member (e.g. extension cross-member 2083) of the deck section ismoved, the force on the projecting pin increases or decreases dependingof the slope of the ramped edge.

As the deck width position is adjusted, therefore, a force/load appliedto the piezoelectric sensor 3036. The sensor provides an output voltagethat is directly proportional to the amount of load/force on theprojecting pin of the piezoelectric sensor 3036. The force applied tothe sensor 3036 may be then communicated to the controller 3302 in theform of an output voltage. This output voltage may be used by thecontrol system 3300 and software to interpolate and determine the deckwidth position.

Referring to FIGS. 45B-45D, in another embodiment, a piezoelectricsensor 3036′ can be mounted on a fixed member of the deck section, suchas lateral support member 2062 a, and coupled to one end of a tether3038′, such as an elastic member, that spans or bridges between thefixed member (e.g., lateral support member 2062 a) and a movable member,such as deck extension pan 2032, of the corresponding deck section. Asthe deck extension pan 2032 extends, tether 3038′ is pulled andgenerates a force on the piezoelectric sensor 3036′. As a result, as thedeck position is adjusted and changed, there is a correlating change inthe tension on the piezoelectric sensor 3036′. The piezoelectric sensor3036′ may therefore provide a correlating output voltage that may beused by the control system 3300 and software to interpolate and indicatethe specific deck width position.

Referring to FIG. 46, in another exemplary embodiment, the sensor may bein the form of a proximity sensor 3040, for example, a laser orultrasonic proximity sensor. The proximity sensor 3040 may be mounted toeither the fixed member (e.g., lateral support member 2062 a) or themovable member, such as deck extension pan 2032, of the correspondingdeck section and can measure or sense the distance between the moveablemember and the fixed member. The measured distance may be communicatedto the controller 3302 and, utilizing stored data, the controller 3302may determine the corresponding patient support deck width based on themeasured distance. The corresponding distance and output voltage fromthe proximity sensor 3040 may be used by the control system 3300 andsoftware to interpolate and indicate the specific deck width position.

Referring to FIGS. 47-50, in yet another embodiment, sensors 3050 a and3050 b may comprise plunger switches that sense two latch pins 3052 a,3052 b. The latch pins 3052 a, 3052 b may be mounted to a fixed member(e.g., fixed rack and pinion mechanism housing tube 2062) of the patientsupport deck frame 102. Four latch pin cutouts 3054 (FIG. 50) may bepositioned in a predetermined geometric orientation or arrangement(i.e., vertically stacked or concentrically aligned) in the movablemember (e.g. extension cross-member 2083) of the patient support deckframe 102. Depending on the position of the movable member (e.g.extension cross-member 2083), the latch pin(s) 3052 a, 3052 b may bereceived in one or more of the cutout(s) 3054. For example, in theillustrated embodiment, the latch pins 3052 a, 3052 b are verticallystacked, and the cutouts 3054 include: a lower single cutout 3054 a thataligns with and receives the lower latch pin 3052 a when the movablemember (e.g. extension cross-member 2083) is in the 36″ width position;a single middle, upper cutout 3054 b that aligns with and receives theupper latch pin 3052 b when the movable member (e.g. extensioncross-member 2083) is in the 42″ width position; and a pair ofvertically stacked cutouts 3054 c, 3054 d align with and receives theupper and lower latch pins 3052 b, 3052 a when the movable member (e.g.extension cross-member 2083) is in the 48″ width position.

Thus, sensors 3050 a, 3050 b can provide a binary output capable ofdetecting four different conditions using only two pins (and fourcutouts). As the moveable member (e.g. 2083) moves, one or both of thelatch pins 3052 a, 3052 b may extend into the respective aligned cutouts3054 and the status of each pin may be either in/locked or out/unlocked.The status and identification of which of the latch pins 3052 a, 3052 bare received in the cutouts 3054 can be communicated to the controller3302. The controller 3302 may then be configured to determine acorresponding width of the patient support deck 104 based on which latchpin 3052 a, 3052 b is received in which lock pin cutout or cutouts 3054(3054 a, 3054 b, or 3054 c and 3054 d).

In addition, the controller 3302 may determine if the deck sections arelocked or unlocked based on the sensed locked or unlocked status oflatch pins 3052 a, 3052 b. An example using a simple two pin arrangementcapable of detecting four different deck width conditions is illustratedin the Table 7 below.

TABLE 7 STATE OF LATCH PIN DECK WIDTH LATCH PIN A LATCH PIN B POSITIONPLUNGER SWITCH A PLUNGER SWITCH B UNKNOWN OUT/UNLOCKED OUT/UNLOCKED(BREAK) (BREAK) 36″ IN/LOCKED OUT/UNLOCKED (MADE) (BREAK) 42″OUT/UNLOCKED IN/LOCKED (BREAK) (MADE) 48″ IN/LOCKED IN/LOCKED (MADE)(MADE)

According to another exemplary embodiment, latching/locking of each decksection may be monitored and detected independently of deck widthposition sensing or combined with the deck width sensing. For example,the sensor may comprise deck lock sensor 2090 a that is configured tosense the locked or unlocked state of the deck section. In thisembodiment, the deck lock sensor 2090 a is positioned and configured tosense the position of the latch or lock pin 2090 (described above) whenit is its locked position. Further, pin 2090 may be used to also sensethe width of the deck. For example, as described below, the latch pinmay have a stepped diameter.

Referring to FIGS. 50A-50C, latching mechanism latch pin 2090′ has astepped profile so that it can be used to indicate the width of the deckin addition to the locked status of the deck section. For ease ofillustration, pin 2090′ is illustrated without any of the pin mountingor actuator details shown. For mounting and actuator details, referenceis made to FIGS. 28 and 28A and their corresponding details above.

Pin 2090′ is supported relative to the fixed member (e.g., fixed rackand pinion mechanism housing tube 2062) (shown only in dashed lines) bya bracket (not shown) and may be spring loaded toward the fixed member2061 and into a corresponding opening formed on the movable member, inthis case 2083, to thereby lock the position of the movable member (e.g.deck pan 2032) when the pin 2090′ aligned with the opening.

As would be understood the movable member 2083 may include an opening3054 a′, 3054 b′, or 3054 c′ for each of the defined widths of the decksection, e.g. for the 36″ width, the 42″ width, and the 48″ width. Pin2090′, as noted, includes a stepped profile at its end in the form ofconcentrically reducing diameters 2092 a′, 2092 b′, and 2092 c′. Inaddition, each opening 3054 a′, 3054 b′, and 3054 c′ may vary in size sothat, for example, the largest diameter step 2092 a′ will extend intoonly the largest opening 3054 a′, and the middle step 2092 b′ willextend into only two of the openings (3054 a′ and 3054 b′), and thesmallest diameter step 2092 c′will extend into all three openings 3054a′, 3054 b′, and 3054 c′.

In the illustrated embodiment, the smallest opening 3054 c′ is in theposition corresponding to the 48″ width position of the movable member(e.g. 2083). In this manner, only the smallest step 2092 c′ will be ableto extend into the opening (3054 c′) allowing pin 2090′ only to engageat a first controlled depth, which depth is sensed by a sensor 3050′,described below. The middle sized opening is located at the 42″ widthposition so that only the smallest and medium size steps 2092 c′ and2092 b′ will be able to insert into the middle opening. Again, thismeans that when in the 42″ width position, pin 2090′ is only engaged ata second controlled depth, which depth is sensed by a sensor 3050′.Lastly, the largest opening 3054 a′, which is in the 48″ width position,will allow pin 2090′ to full extend into the opening, which depth isthen sensed by sensor 3050′.

Sensor 3050′ is mounted to the fixed member (e.g. 2061) adjacent pin2090′ and senses the depth of the pin either by contact or non-contactsensing. In the illustrated embodiment, sensor 3050′ uses contactsensing. To that end, pin 2090′ includes a projecting arm 2090 a′ thatmakes contact with the sensor to indicate the depth of the pin'sengagement. For example, the sensor may be a linear potentiometer or aswitch, or an array of switches, with each switch corresponding to thedepths of the pin 2090′. For examples of non-contact sensing of thedepth of the pin 2090′ using, for example, a reflective strip, a colorstrip, magnets, a RFID tag, or the like, mounted to the pin 2090′reference is made to the above embodiments.

Therefore, as the moveable section (e.g. 2032) moves, the pin 2090′ mayonly extend into the aligned opening to the depth allowed by therelative sizing of the stepped diameter of the pin 2090′. The controller3302 then determines a corresponding width of the patient support deck104 based on the sensed depth of the pin 2090′. Accordingly, both thelock condition and deck width can be determined using the depth ofengagement of the pin 2090′. An example using a stepped lock pin andopenings is illustrated in the Table 8 chart below.

TABLE 8 STATE OF LATCH PIN LATCH PIN LATCH PIN LATCH PIN DECK WIDTH STEP1 STEP 2 STEP 3 POSITION SMALL DIA. MID DIA. LARGE DIA. UNKNOWNRETRACTED RETRACTED RETRACTED 36″ ENGAGED ENGAGED ENGAGED 42″ ENGAGEDENGAGED RETRACTED 48″ ENGAGED RETRACTED RETRACTED

Referring to FIGS. 51-56, in still another embodiment, a sensor may bein the form of an air pressure sensor 3038, including a vacuum sensor.Sensor 3038 detects air pressure (or a vacuum) in a chamber, such as acylinder 3040 with a movable plunger 3042 and piston (not show) thatvaries the pressure in the chamber as the plunger and piston are movedin and out of the cylinder. The end of the plunder 3042 is coupled to amovable member, such as extension cross-member 2083, by a pin 3044, andthe cylinder 3040 is mounted to a fixed member, such as fixed rack andpinion mechanism housing tube 2062, by a pair of supports 3040 a. Fixedrack and pinion mechanism housing tube 2062 includes an elongate slot3046, which allows pin 3044 to couple to the movable member, extensioncross-member 2083, through fixed rack and pinion mechanism housing tube2062 and move with the movable member to move the plunger. Thus, as themovable member moves, the pressure will vary in the chamber.

As the deck width is adjusted between the different deck widthpositions, the air pressure sensor 3038 can detect the increase ordecrease in the air pressure (including vacuum pressure). The sensed airpressure may be communicated to the controller 3302, and then thecontroller 3302, utilizing stored data, may determine the patientsupport deck width based on the sensed air pressure. The air pressuresensor 3038 can provide a correlating output voltage that may be used bythe control system 3300 and software to interpolate and indicate thespecific deck width position.

Referring to FIGS. 51-53, in this embodiment, plunger 3044 is fullyextended into cylinder 304 when the movable section of the deck sectionis in its 36″ width positon. Thus, when the moveable section isextended, as shown in FIGS. 52 and 53, the pressure in the cylinder willreduce and create a vacuum. The sensed vacuum may be communicated to thecontroller 3302, and then the controller 3302, utilizing stored data,may determine the patient support deck width based on the sensed airvacuum. The air pressure sensor 3038, therefore, can provide acorrelating output voltage that may be used by the control system 3300and software to interpolate and indicate the specific deck widthposition.

Referring to FIGS. 54-56, in this embodiment, cylinder 3040 and plunger3042 are rotated 180 degrees, with slot 3046 a provided on the other endof fixed rack and pinion mechanism housing tube 2062 to receive pin3044. In this embodiment, member plunger 3044 is fully extended fromcylinder 304 when the movable section of the deck section is in its 36″width positon. Thus, when the moveable section is extended, as shown inFIGS. 55 and 56, the pressure in the cylinder will increase. The sensedpressure may be communicated to the controller 3302, and then thecontroller 3302, utilizing stored data, may determine the patientsupport deck width based on the sensed increased air pressure. Again,the air pressure sensor 3038, therefore, can provide a correlatingoutput voltage that may be used by the control system 3300 and softwareto interpolate and indicate the specific deck width position.

For several of the above embodiments, two or more sensors may bearranged and used to provide a binary output capable of detectingmultiple different conditions. In the example illustrated in the chartbelow, a simple two switch/sensor arrangement is capable of detectingfour different deck width conditions.

DECK WIDTH STATE OF SENSOR/SWITCH POSITION SENSOR 1 SENSOR 2 UNKNOWN 0 036″ 1 0 42″ 0 1 48″ 1 1

In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the latching or locking ofeach deck section may be detected and monitored independently of thedeck width position sensing as described in the embodiments above. Insome cases, a separate and/or additional deck lock switch or sensor maybe utilized to detect the locked or unlocked state of the latchmechanism 2051, 2052, and 2054. Additionally, it may be possible todetect both the deck width position and the locked/unlocked status ofthe latch mechanism by monitoring the state of the deck lock latch pin2090. However, as described above, it is possible to detect both deckwidth position and deck locked state simply by monitoring the state ofthe deck lock sensor latch pin. This concept may be integrated in to theexisting sensors mentioned in the above implementation.

In any of the above-mentioned embodiments, the patient support 100 mayinclude multiples of any one or more of the sensors, switches, readers,and their associated components described herein. For example, each ofthe sensors, switches, and/or readers may be arranged in pairs withredundant sensors, switches, and/or readers to help ensure that in theevent of a failure or malfunction, there is a redundant and backupsensor, switch, and/or reader. The associated components, such as thepassive elements and parts that act upon the sensors, switches, andreaders (i.e., magnets, labels, RFID tags, etc.) may also be duplicatedaccordingly.

Referring to FIG. 57, for any of the embodiments described herein,movement or adjustment of the patient support 100 may be prevented orrestricted if any one of the latch mechanisms 2051, 2052, 2054 is sensedor determined to be unlocked or if the patient support deck 104 issensed or determined to be in an unacceptable width condition. Thecontrol system 3300 may be configured to prevent bed motion dependingupon the state of the sensor(s). The state, status, or condition of thevarious sensors as monitored can meet the specific predeterminedconditions stored in the control system 3300 to permit a particular bedmotion. As noted above, for example, the software logic may beconfigured to prevent bed motion depending on the state of thesensor(s)—the conditions of the various sensors as monitored must meetthe specific conditions established and set in the software logic inorder to permit a particular bed motion capability. If the conditions asmonitored are not met for a particular bed motion capability, thesoftware logic will not permit the respective and associated bedmotion(s).

In the case that the conditions as monitored are not met for aparticular bed motion, the control system 3300 will not permit therespective bed motion(s). For example, the bed motions that may beprohibited may include the bed being moved from its location (e.g.prohibit operation of the bed drive system, such as a ZOOM® drivesystem, prevent unlocking of casters, or lock the casters) or mayinclude movement of the bed components, such as side rails, the liftmechanism, sections of the deck, such as the head deck section (the“Fowler”).

In the case that the control system 3300 determines that movement of thepatient support 100 should be prevented, the control system 3300 mayalso be configured to issue a corresponding warning and/or alerts eitherthrough iconography, displayed text messages, or audible alarms thatcommunicate and alert that respective decks sections are either unlockedor at the incorrect width(s).

For example, as generally noted above, exemplary bed motions that may becontrolled by the control system 3300 include: the lowering or raisingof the deck sections; the lowering or raising of the patient supportdeck 104; the lowering or raising of the side rails 113 (when equippedwith electro-mechanical actuators ad/or locking mechanisms); adjustmentor changing of the deck configuration or positioning; motorizedmovement/driving of the patient support 100; and locking or unlocking ofthe casters. For any of these bed motions, the control system 3300 couldprevent the motion or adjustment of the components if predeterminedconditions stored in the control system 3300 are not met. Examples ofthe predetermined conditions include: the patient support deck being toohigh or too low; the patient support deck section not being locked; theside rails not being raised; the patient support deck sections not beingarranged flat; and others. Additionally, brakes included on the patientsupport 100 could be locked by the control system 3300 if predeterminedconditions stored in the control system 3300 are met, such as the bedbeing detected as stationary for a predetermined period of time, theside rail 113 is lowered, etc.

In some aspects, if respective deck sections are detected to be unlockedor are detected to be in an unacceptable configuration, the controlsystem 3300 may prevent or restrict bed motion, including specific bedmotion(s) that might adversely impact patient safety, introduce risk, ordamage the bed.

In one aspect, the control system 3300 monitors the width of the deck,and when the deck is in an expanded width, may issue a prompt to thecaregiver to make sure that the expandable headboard 110 has beenadjusted so that headboard 110 width correctly aligns with the patientsupport deck width to help ensure all pinch or entrapment zones may bemaintained and kept within compliance. Similarly, when the deck is in anexpanded width, control system 3300 may issue a prompt to the caregiverto make sure that the expandable mattress has been adjusted so thatmattress width is increased to help ensure all pinch or entrapment zonesmay be maintained and kept within compliance.

In one embodiment, the control system 3300 may prompt input from thecaregiver acknowledging that the headboard and/or mattress has beenadjusted. Additionally, control system 3300 may only allow the prompt tobe cleared after the caregiver had entered the acknowledgment.

As described above, control system 3300 may include a display at controlpanel 120 with a display screen 122 on which various messages, usingtext or icons, may be displayed. For example, referring to FIGS. 24E-G,control system 3300 may generate an alert, for example, in the form oftext 124, including, but not limited to, alerting the caregiver that theheadboard is not adjusted. Further, the text may include specificinstructions to adjust the headboard and/or mattress to a specifiedwidth and, further, provide the caregiver a selection of “ADJUSTED” or“NOT ADJUSTED” so that the caregiver can indicate to the control system3300 whether they have adjusted or not adjusted the headboard.Additionally, the alert may include an alert regarding the width of anyone of the deck sections. For example, text may indicate that themidsection (e.g. the seat and leg sections) deck needs to be adjusted.

In addition, control system 3300 may generate an icon 126 thatrepresents the head board and, further, the headboard shown in thedesired width. Thus, the icon may also be used to prompt the user toadjust the caregiver to adjust the headboard. For example, referring toFIG. 24F, when the deck is adjusted to a 36″ width, the icon 126 may beillustrated with two headboard sections 126 a, 126 b (which representsthe headboard in a 36″ with configuration) to illustrate how theheadboard should look when adjusted to the 36″ width. Similarlyreferring to FIG. 24G, when the deck is adjusted to a 42″ width, icon126 may be illustrated with three headboard sections 126 a, 126 b, and126 c (which represents the headboard in a 42″ with configuration), anda text prompt to instruct the caregiver to adjust the width of theheadboard to 42 inches. Referring to FIG. 24H, when the deck is adjustedto a 48″ width, icon 126 may be illustrated with four headboard sections126 a, 126 b, 126 c, and 126 d (which represents the headboard in a 48″with configuration) and a text prompt to instruct the caregiver toadjust the width of the headboard to 48 inches.

Other text messages may also be generated at display 122 including anerror message and instructions to call service (FIGS. 24G-H).Additionally, the control system 3300 may generate text prompting thecaregiver to indicate when the headboard (and optionally the mattress)is adjusted. For example, as noted, control system 3300 may provide thecaregiver a selection of “ADJUSTED” or “NOT ADJUSTED” and may generate atouch screen area or button associated with each of the two selections(ADJUSTED or NOT ADJUSTED) as well as a touch screen area or button 128(e.g. a checkmark) to be pressed by a caregiver to indicate when theheadboard is adjusted. Until the caregiver selects one of the twooptions presented on the display and presses the checkmark on thecontrol panel, any movement restrictions (e.g. deck movement, ormovement of other components, or the patient support apparatus movementitself) may remain in place. The “ADJUSTED” option confirms that themanual adjustment of the width of the headboard and mattress to theappropriate width is complete. The “NOT ADJUSTED” option acknowledgesthe manual adjustment of the width of the headboard and mattress has notbeen completed, but confirms that the temporary movement restrictionshould be lifted nevertheless. Accordingly, once the user either (1)presses the check mark while the “ADJUSTED” option is selected; or (2)presses the check mark while the “NOT ADJUSTED” option is selected, thecontrol system 3300 lifts the movement restriction.

In other aspects, as noted, the control system 3300 may applyrestrictions to the patient support 100 height, depending on thepredetermined positions relative to the width of patient support deck104 in an effort to mitigate concerns of tip-over as a result of toohigh center of gravity. For example, if the patient support deck 104 isdetected to be at the expanded 48″ width, the control system 3300 maylimit the patient support 100 height to ensure that the center ofgravity is not in a location where tip-over may occur due to patientingress or egress. The control system 3300 may allow the patient support100 to auto-adjust its height if the center of gravity is detected to betoo high and in an unsafe height with respect to the correspondingpatient support deck 104 width.

Other aspects include storing information and data from the sensors. Thedata may be timestamped and collected to track patient preferred patientsupport deck width configurations and patient support 100 usage withrespect to patient weight, biometrics, service requirements, etc. Thesensor information and data may be used to send preemptive warnings andinformation about the patient support 100 during transport of thepatient. For example, if the patient support 100 is configured andpositioned at the intermediate 42″ patient support deck width, or theexpanded 48″ patient support deck width, once the brake is released andthe patient support 100 is detected to be ready for patient transport,the patient support 100 may display information and/or warnings to alertthe operator or caregiver regarding specific concerns or conditions toavoid. Warnings or alerts may be issued to remind or inform staffregarding: ensuring that a minimum of two or more people are present tohelp transport and move the patient and patient support safely; watchingfor narrow door jambs and passageways; determining that the patientsupport is in approved patient support deck width configuration forpatient transport; adjusting the mattress width accordingly and fillingin respective gaps; and checking for under-deck obstructions such asbedside tables, chairs, and equipment or hoses that may be exposed todamage or interference as a result of adjusting to wider patient supportdeck widths. Additionally, when the patient support 100 is equipped withgeo-tracking or position/location sensing, the operator or caregiver maybe informed if a particular patient support deck width is restricted orrequired for use in a particular ward or section of the care facility.For example, if the patient support is located in a hallway, theoperator or caregiver may be informed or reminded that the patientsupport should be adjusted to the standard 36″ patient support deckwidth position.

For any of the embodiments described herein, the deck width positionsensing may be used by the control system to generate a prompt to takeaction, such as prompt manual adjustment of the expandable headboard106, mattress, and/or footboard 108 to ensure that their width correctlyaligns with the deck width. This may help to ensure that pinch andentrapment zones are maintained and remain within compliance conditions.

For example, the prompt may include any one or more of the followingmeant to provide a prompt to the caregiver instructing or reminding thecaregiver to adjust one of the above described adjustable components:visual and/or audible instructions, an icon, a video, an animation,displayed wording, or an audible message recording.

In any of the above described embodiments, the sensor and the componentor element that it is sensing may be mounted to the opposite patientsupport deck frame section—fixed or movable members—as described above.

As noted above all of the deck sections may be independently adjusted ortwo of the deck sections, such as the seat and knee deck sections, maybe coupled together so that their widths can be adjusted together. Thus,when all four deck sections are independently adjustable, the patientsupport could have four latches and four single inputs (could be onehandle or a pair of handles so that access is provided from both sidesof the patient support, or as noted may be independent from the handleor handles, using a button or switch) to release the latch mechanisms.Optionally, a different combination of two deck sections may be coupledtogether—for example, the leg and knee deck sections, or the seat andhead decks sections.

Referring to FIGS. 59-61, three or more, including all four, deckssections may be coupled together so that they may expand or contracttogether from a single input at a single location (and may be lockedusing a single latch mechanism), though it should be understood that thesingle input may be provided at several locations. For example, thehead, seat and knee deck sections may be coupled together, or the leg,knee and seat deck sections may be coupled together. The single inputmay be provided on any of the coupled deck sections. Similarly, thelatch mechanism may be mounted in or on any one of the coupled decksections, though as noted, centrally locating the single input and/orthe latch mechanism may reduce the play in the components.

Referring to FIGS. 59-61, the pinion gear shafts 2071, 2072, 2073, and2074 of three or more of the head deck section 105, seat deck section2021, deck section 107, and foot deck section 2002 of patient support100, respectively, may be coupled together for rotational movement byflexible torque transmitting devices 3002. For example, suitableflexible torque transmitting devices 3002 may include U-joints 3004(FIGS. 61, 63) or flex shafts 3006 (FIGS. 61, 64) or a combination ofboth (FIG. 61). In this manner, each of the pinion shafts 2071, 2072,2073, and 2074 may be driven to rotate in unison to pull or push on therespective deck pans 2031, 2032, 2033, and 2034 so that the width ofeach of the decks may be adjusted by pulling or pushing by a singleinput, optionally provide at a single location or multiple locations.For example, a single input may be provided, for example, via handle2042 mounted to knee deck section 107 (FIG. 60) using the rack andpinion gear set arrangements described above. Optionally, one or more ofthe rack and pinion gear sets may be omitted. Further, the knee decksection 107 may include a handle on each side of the deck, with eachproviding a single input.

Further a single latch mechanism 2052 and corresponding deck extensionhandle 2042 (or pair) may be provided to lock or unlock the decksections in their expanded or contracted positions—though it should beunderstood that more than one latch mechanism may still be used and morethan one handle may be used. For details of the construction of latchmechanism 2052 and handle 2042 reference is made to latch mechanism 2051(shown FIGS. 16 and 17) and handle 241 (FIG. 18) and their accompanyingdescriptions above.

When multiple handles are provided, each operating as a single input,and a single latch mechanism is used, all the handles may be thencoupled, either mechanically or electrically, to the single latchmechanism. For example, when mechanically coupled, each handles may becoupled using a cable or cables. When multiple latch mechanisms areused, each of the single input (e.g. each handle) may then be cabled toall of the latch mechanisms so that all the latch mechanisms arereleased together from a single input (any one of the handles). As morefully described below, the handles may be used just to simply pull onthe deck section, with the release of the latch being controlled from aseparate remote input (e.g. at the caregiver control panel) wherein thehandle is not coupled to the latch mechanism. Alternately, the handlesmay have an electrical input device, such as a button or switch—eithermounted on the handle or adjacent the handle—so that the handle issimply used to pull on the deck section, with the latch mechanismreleased by a signal from the electrical input device. For example, inone embodiment, the electrical input device may be a wireless device toeliminate the need for cabling and/or wiring. Further, in oneembodiment, the handle or pair of handles may be eliminated provided thedeck section or sections have a grab point or region along at least oneside and, optionally, along their opposed sides.

Similarly, a single sensor may be used to detect the width and/or lockedstate of the deck sections. Again, multiple sensors may beused—especially when more than one latch mechanism is used. For detailsof the latch mechanisms and sensors, racks, and pinions gears, as wellas the overall construction of the patient support deck, reference ismade to the above description and referenced patent application.

In the illustrated embodiment, a single latch mechanism, such as latchmechanism 2052 (FIG. 61) of the seat deck section 2021, and a singlehandle, such as handle 2042 (FIG. 12) mounted to knee deck section 107,may be used to lock and unlock three or all four deck sections. Thus, asingle input may be used to lock and unlock, and further push or pullall the decks sections in unison.

The location of the latch mechanism and or handle may be varied. But tomaintain the current configurations of the deck sections and rack andpinion assemblies, centering and locating the latch mechanism and thehandle on the seat deck section or knee deck section (i.e. centrallylocated on the patient support) will reduce the impact of any play inthe movement of the deck sections and, therefore, provide a tightercontrol over the locking and unlocking, and expansion and contraction,of the deck sections.

As noted above, the pinion drive shafts may be coupled together byflexible torque transmitting devices. This allows the decks sections toremain independently articulatable while rotationally coupling thepinion gear shafts of the deck sections together. In the illustratedembodiment, the torque transmitting device connecting the seat decksection pinion gear shaft 2072 to the knee seat section pinion gearshaft 2073 comprises a U-joint 3004, such as shown in FIGS. 62 and 63.

U-joint 3004 is a conventional a double U-joint and includes first andsecond yokes 30004, 3004 b, which receive and couple to the respectivepinion shafts 2072 and 2073 in bores 3004 c, 3004 d formed in the hubsof the yokes and which are secured therein by set screws 3005. Extendingbetween yokes 3004 a, 3004 b is a central yoke assembly 3004 e, which iscoupled to yokes 3004 a, 3004 b via pivot members 3004 h and 3004 i andpins 3006. In this manner, pinion shafts 2072 and 2073 are rotationallycoupled together but are free to articulate relative to each other.

Central yoke assembly 3004 e may be a one-piece body formed with twoyokes 3004 f and 3004 g at each end. Alternately, central yoke assembly3004 e may comprise a telescoping central yoke assembly with two shafts3007 and 3007 a. Yoke 3004 g is secured to shaft 3007 via a pin 3005 b,while yoke 3004 f is attached to shaft 3007 a by a pin 3005 b, butslidably connected to shaft 3007 via a pin 3007 b. In the illustratedembodiment yoke 3004 f includes a hollow extension tube 3009 (whichreceives therein shaft 3007) with slotted openings 3009 a on opposedsides of tube 3009 to receive pin 3007 b to thereby allow yoke 3004 f tomove linearly with respect to yoke 3004 g, while still beingrotationally coupled to yoke 3004 g.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the torque transmitting devicesthat connect the head deck section pinion gear shaft 2071 to the seatsection pinion gear shaft 2072 and connect the foot deck section pinionshaft 2074 to the knee deck section pinion gear shaft 2073, comprises aflexible shaft 3006, such as shown in FIGS. 64-65. Flexible shaft 3006includes a flexible central torque transmitting member 3006 a, such asrubber bar or hose 3006 a′(FIG. 64) or metal or fiber wire rope or coil(e.g. spring) 3006 a″, and connectors 3006 b at both ends of the member3006 a for rigidly coupling to the respective pinion gear shafts. Eachconnector 3006 b includes a bore 3006 c, 3006 d for receiving therespective pinion shaft and one or more setscrews 3006 e for securingthe shafts therein. In this manner, when one of the pinion gear shaftsrotates, the pinion gear shaft coupled via flexible shaft 3006 will alsorotate. The member 3006 a is sufficiently flexible to allow the twopinion gear shafts to flex about the member and relative to each otherbut have sufficient torsional stiffness to transmit torque between therespective pinion gear shafts.

Optionally, one or more of the flexible torque transmitting devices maycomprise a spring or other strands, such as a fiber rope, which aresufficiently flexible to allow the pinion shafts to bend relative buthave sufficient torsional stiffness to transmit torque between therespective pinion gear shafts.

As described above, the movement of the deck sections may be also beachieved through one or more powered or mechanical actuators. Referringto FIGS. 66 and 67, pinion shaft 2074 may extended beyond pinionmechanism housing tube 2064 for engagement by a actuator 4010 so thatall the pinion shafts may be driven from location, such as the end ofthe deck.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 4010 comprises a mechanicalactuator in the form of a driven rack and pinion assembly. Referring toFIG. 67, driven rack and pinion assembly 4010 includes a pinion gear4012, which is mounted to the end of pinion shaft 2074 for rotation withthe shaft, and a rack 4014, which is engaged by pinion gear 4012. Rack4104 is then coupled to lead screw 4016, which is coupled to rack 4012via a lead screw mount 4018 and supported on upper frame 102 (whichsupports deck 104).

Lead screw 4016 may be driven by a powered device, such as a motor, or amechanical device, such a hand wheel or crank. In the illustratedembodiment, lead screw 4106 is mechanically driven by a hand wheel 4022,which is mounted to one of the deck pans 2034.

As noted above, by rotatably coupling all the pinions together, a singlelatch mechanism, a single release handle, a single input, and a singlesensor may be used—though it should be understood that multiple latchmechanisms, release handles, multiple inputs, and/or sensors may be usedas described above.

In one embodiment, when a single latch and a single or single pair ofrelease handles is used, it may be desirable to locate them near thedriver of the actuator 4010 so that a user can easily unlatch and thenwiden the deck 104 with both hands without having to reach far. So forexample, foot section 2002 may include latch mechanism 2054, which, asnoted, locks the width of the deck by a pin-in-hole arrangement viaholes 2054 a provided in the cross-extension member of the foot decksection 2002. Latch mechanism 2054 is released by handle 2044, which ismounted to foot deck extension pan 2034, and optionally adjacent handwheel 4022 for easy access.

As noted above, and referring to FIG. 241, the latch mechanism ormechanisms may include an actuator 5008, such as a solenoid, a cylinder(e.g. air or hydraulic cylinder) or the like, to move the latch pinbetween its locked and unlocked positions. The actuator may be incommunication (either wired or wirelessly) with the controller 3302 ofthe control system 3300, which includes an input (e.g. at the caregivercontrol panel or at the handle noted below) to trigger the controller tocontrol the actuator and, hence, the position of the latch pin.Alternately, the control system may include a locally mountedcommunication device (such as at the handle 2041, 2042, 2044 or at thecaregiver control panel 120), such as a wireless transmitter controlcircuit, to control the actuator.

For example, in one embodiment, controller 3302 may have a wirelesstransmitter 5010 mounted to the control board of controller 3302, whichis actuated to generate a control signal to the actuator 5008 based oninput, for example, at the caregiver control panel 120 or at the handlesvia an input device 5012, such as switch or button, which can either bemounted to the panel or handle or adjacent the handle. The actuator5008, therefore, optionally includes a receiver circuit so that theactuator 5008 may be wirelessly and remotely controlled.

In this manner, the handle itself may no longer transmit the mechanicalinput to the latch mechanism and, instead, may be simply used to pull onthe deck section. Further, optionally, a separate handle structure maybe eliminated and, instead, be provided by a grabbing structure orregion formed on the deck section.

Alternately, the input device may be configured to generate a signalbased on movement of the handle. For example, a switch or button may belocated so that it is pressed when the handle is moved (lifted and/orlowered), which generates the signal to the actuator to unlatch thelatch pin. When the handle is released, the switch or button maygenerate another signal to cause the actuator to move the latch pin toits locked position.

In one embodiment, the communication device, e.g. wireless transmitter,may be located on the handle along with the input device 5012 and,optionally, incorporated into the input device, so that in effect thehandle transmits an electrical signal and communicates with the actuatorat the latch mechanism when the user presses the switch or button (ormoves the handle)(versus the handle mechanically transmitting theunlatch or latch signal to the latch mechanism). It should be understoodthat when multiple latch mechanisms are used, each handle or inputdevice may communicate with all the latch mechanisms.

While described in reference to embodiments where the width of thepatient support is adjusted, it should be understood that the patientsupport may also include length-adjustment capability and sensingutilizing the embodiments described herein relative to the length of thepatient support instead or in addition to the adjustment of the width ofthe patient support. Extending the length of the patient support isdescribed in more detail in U.S. application Ser. No. 15/394,111, filedDec. 29, 2016, entitled “Patient Support Usable with BariatricPatients,” the entire content of which is herein incorporated byreference.

As used herein, the term “patient support” refers to an apparatus forsupporting a patient in an elevated position relative to a supportsurface for the apparatus, such as a floor. One embodiment of a patientsupport includes beds, for example, hospital beds for use in supportingpatients in a hospital environment. Other embodiments may be conceivedby those skilled in the art. The exemplary term “hospital bed” or simply“bed” may be used interchangeably with “patient support” herein withoutlimiting the generality of the disclosure.

As used herein, the term “guard structure” refers to an apparatusmountable to or integral with a patient support that prevents orinterferes with egress of an occupant of the patient support from thepatient support, particularly egress in an unintended manner. Guardstructures are often movable to selectively permit egress of an occupantof the patient support and are usually located about the periphery ofthe patient support, for example, on a side of the patient support. Oneembodiment of a guard structure includes side rails, mountable to a sideof a patient support, such as a hospital bed. Other embodiments may beconceived by those skilled in the art. The exemplary terms “guard rail”,“side rail”, or “rail structure” may be used interchangeably with “guardstructure” herein without limiting the generality of the disclosure.

As used herein, the term “longitudinal” refers to a direction parallelto an axis between a head end of the patient support and a foot end ofthe patient support, where a head-to-foot distance is parallel to alongitudinal axis and is referred to as the length of the patientsupport. The terms “transverse” or “lateral” refer to a directionperpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to a surface onwhich the patient support rests, where a side-to-side distance isparallel to a transverse or lateral axis and is referred to as the widthof the patient support. In general, directional terms, such as“vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,”“inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describingthe invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in theillustrations. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted tolimit the invention to any specific orientation(s).

As used herein, the term “control circuit” refers to an analog ordigital electronic circuit with inputs corresponding to a patientsupport status or sensed condition and outputs effective to causechanges in the patient support status or a patient support condition.For example, a control circuit may comprise an input comprising anactuator position sensor and an output effective to change actuatorposition. One embodiment of a control circuit may comprise aprogrammable digital controller, optionally comprising or interfacedwith an electronic memory module and an input/output (I/O) interface.Other embodiments may be conceived by those skilled in the art. Theexemplary terms, such as “control system”, “control structure” and thelike may be used interchangeably with “control circuit” herein withoutlimiting the generality of the disclosure.

As used herein, the term “actuator” refers to a device for moving orcontrolling a mechanism or system and may be frequently used tointroduce motion, or to clamp an object so as to prevent motion.Actuators include, for example, motors, hydraulic actuators, pneumaticactuators, electric actuators (e.g., linear actuators), mechanicalactuators, electromechanical actuators, and solenoids.

Novel features will become apparent to those of skill in the art uponexamination of the detailed description. It should be understood,however, that the scope of the claims should not be limited by thepreferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given thebroadest interpretation consistent with the specification as a whole.

The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention.Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from thespirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appendedclaims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles ofpatent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure ispresented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as anexhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limitthe scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated ordescribed in connection with these embodiments. For example, and withoutlimitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may bereplaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similarfunctionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes,for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those thatmight be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternativeelements that may be developed in the future, such as those that oneskilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative.Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features thatare described in concert and that might cooperatively provide acollection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to onlythose embodiments that include all of these features or that provide allof the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly setforth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in thesingular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” isnot to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Anyreference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant toinclude any one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination of X, Yand Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z ; and Y, Z.

We claim:
 1. A patient support comprising: a patient support componenthaving an adjustable width; and a control system comprising: a sensoradapted to sense a width of the patient support component; and acontroller in communication with the sensor, the controller configuredto determine if the patient support component is in an unacceptablewidth configuration based on the sensed width of the patient supportcomponent and adapted to generate a signal to issue an alert or a promptto a caregiver to take action, if the patient support component isdetermined to be in an unacceptable width configuration.
 2. The patientsupport according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is an optical sensor.3. The patient support according to claim 2, wherein said patientsupport component comprises a patient support deck frame having a fixedsection and a movable section, a light source, and a reflective stripmounted to either the fixed section or the movable section of thepatient support deck frame, wherein the optical sensor and light sourceare mounted to the other of the fixed section or the movable section,and the optical sensor senses light emitted from the light sourcereflected from the reflective strip.
 4. The patient support according toclaim 3, wherein the reflective strip includes multiple reflectivegradient portions, and the amount of light reflected by a respectivereflective gradient portion of the multiple reflective gradient portionsand sensed by the optical sensor is communicated to the controller. 5.The patient support according to claim 3, wherein the controllerdetermines a corresponding width of the patient support deck based thesensed light
 6. A patient support comprising: a patient support deck;and a control system comprising: a sensor adapted to detect a status ofthe patient support deck; and a controller in communication with thesensor and configured to determine if the status of the patient supportdeck is an acceptable condition or an unacceptable condition.
 7. Thepatient support according to claim 6, wherein the controller isconfigured to generate a signal based on the status detected by thesensor.
 8. The patient support according to claim 6, wherein the signalgenerates an alert or a prompt to a caregiver to take action if thestatus of the deck is determined to be in an unacceptable condition. 9.The patient support according to claim 6, wherein the sensor isconfigured to detect a width of the patient support deck, and the statusof the patient support deck is related to the width.
 10. The patientsupport according to claim 6, wherein the sensor is configured to detectwhether the patient support deck is locked condition or unlockedcondition, and the status of the patient support deck is related to alocked condition or an unlocked condition.
 11. The patient supportaccording to claim 6, further comprising a patient support deck framehaving a fixed section and a movable section, wherein the sensorcomprises a color sensor mounted to the fixed section or the movablesection of the patient support deck frame, and a color strip havingmultiple colors is mounted to the other of the fixed section or themovable section of the patient support deck frame, wherein the color onthe color strip is sensed by the color sensor and communicated to thecontroller.
 12. The patient support according to claim 11, wherein thecontroller determines a width of the patient support deck based on thesensed color.
 13. The patient support according to claim 6, wherein thesensor includes two or more magnetic field sensors.
 14. A patientsupport comprising: a patient support deck, the patient support deckhaving an adjustable width and a latch mechanism to lock the width ofthe patient support deck; a control system comprising: a sensor adaptedto detect a locked status of the latch mechanism and to detect the widthstatus of the patient support deck based on a characteristic of thelatch mechanism, and said sensor generating a signal based on the lockedstatus and the width status; and a controller in communication with thesensor and configured to receive the signal and based on the signaldetermining whether the latch mechanism is locked or unlocked and thewidth of the patient support deck.
 15. The patient support of claim 14,wherein the patient support deck includes a plurality of deck sections,each of said decks sections having an adjustable width, and said latchmechanism comprising a latch mechanism for each deck section.
 16. Thepatient support of claim 15, wherein the widths of the deck section areindependently adjustable.
 17. The patient support of claim 14, whereinthe latch mechanism includes a latch pin, wherein the characteristic isa characteristic of the latch pin.
 18. The patient support of claim 17,wherein the characteristic of the latch pin is the profile of the latchpin.
 19. The patient support of claim 18, further comprising a patientsupport deck frame having a fixed section and a movable section, and twoor more latch pin cutouts in either the fixed section or the movablesection of the patient support deck frame, the latch pin cutouts havingvarying dimensions, the latch pin having a stepped diameter and beingmounted to the other of the fixed section or the movable section,wherein the latch pin is receivable by a respective latch pin cutout ofthe two or more latch pin cutouts when the movable section of thepatient support deck frame moves to a position corresponding to adesignated width of the patient support deck, and the latch pin beingadapted to extend into the respective latch pin cutout to a depth asallowed by the stepped diameter of the latch pin and the dimension ofthe respective latch pin cutout.
 20. The patient support of claim 19,wherein the controller is configured to sense if the latch pin isextended into a respective latch pin cutout to thereby sense the lockedcondition or the unlocked condition of the latch pin and to determine acorresponding width of the patient support deck based on the senseddepth at which the latch pin extends into the respective latch pincutout.